I will NOT rebuild Liverpool this summer, insists Jurgen Klopp as boss defiantly dismisses suggestion he needs to ‘bring in six or seven new faces’ despite his champions’ season imploding
- Liverpool have endured a disappointing campaign and now lie 19 points off first
- Last year’s top-flight champions have lost their last four Premier League games
- Jurgen Klopp insists he will not walk away, nor does he expect a squad overhaul
- The futures of several Reds players, such as Georginio Wijnaldum, are uncertain
Jurgen Klopp insists there is no need for Liverpool to undergo a squad overhaul this summer despite a disappointing title defence this season.
After winning their first Premier League title in 30 years last season, Klopp’s Reds now sit 19 points behind new leaders Manchester City in sixth place and the Merseysiders now run the risk of failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Despite their disappointing form, which has seen Liverpool lose their last four Premier League games, Klopp highlighted injuries to key stars such as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez as for their failings this term.
Jurgen Klopp claims Liverpool do not need a squad overhaul amid a disappointing season
Last season’s Premier League champions now lie 19 points off the top in sixth place
When asked about a potential summer overhaul, Klopp said, via The Times: ‘Rebuild? No. I don’t think it is time for a massive rebuild like how I understand it: six, seven out, running contracts but trying to get rid of them and bring in all the new faces.
‘The squad of this year didn’t have the chance to play together one time really. I think it would make sense to have a look at that but, on top of that, of course little readjustments will happen.
‘Reacting to the situation but planning, at the same time, for the future and all these kinds of things. I am not sure we can do that in the summer, but that is what we will try.’
Liverpool have four players whose contracts expire this summer – the most notable being midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum who has been linked with a move to Barcelona over the past year.
There is uncertainty over the future of several Reds players, including Georginio Wijnaldum
Backline back-ups Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak have been drafted into the defence in place of the injured van Dijk and Gomez but are facing an uncertain few months, while goalkeeper Adrian’s contract expires at the end of June.
Meanwhile, James Milner and Caoimhin Kelleher’s deals end in just over a year’s time so the Reds could opt to cash in on them.
Failing to qualify for the Champions League would seriously hamper Liverpool in the transfer market – not only with regards to attracting players but on a financial footing too.
The reward for qualifying for the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition is around £30million which could be a significant boost as clubs struggle to balance finances during the coronavirus pandemic.
Klopp is adamant he will not walk away from Liverpool even if they fail to reach the top-four
Despite uncertainty over Liverpool’s standing next season, Klopp is adamant that he will not walk away from the job and he is prepared to do the ‘dirty work’ over the coming months.
‘The important message, even in this moment, is we are still Liverpool and that is what we feel.
‘We are Liverpool when we win 20 games in a row, or whatever, and don’t lose, and not when we lose matches? No. We are still Liverpool, and that is what I love.
‘That, of course, gives me energy. So I am not here only for the big celebrations. I am here for the work. And if it is the dirty work, the hard work, no problem.’
