Klopp discusses Coutinho future
The story that Liverpool supporters are thinking about the most at the moment, is the one surrounding the future of Brazilian maestro, Philippe Coutinho. Speculation has been growing over the past couple of weeks that the star man might be following Luis Suarez’s example and partaking in a big-money move to Barcelona. The fee that is being suggested is in the region of £90million.
However, speaking in a press conference ahead of the Audi Cup fixtures in Munich, Jurgen Klopp has appeared to have put some of the fears and rumours to bed. The German boss was asked about Coutinho’s future to which he replied, “If you say he is not available to be sold, where is the interpretation? The word ‘not’ means there is no interpretation. There is nothing new.”
This seems to suggest that we can be confident that the club are purely looking to bring in key players, rather than get rid of them.
Audi Cup fitness updates
Liverpool have already suffered their fair share of preseason injuries, but as they head into the Audi Cup there has been some positive news regarding who is fit again. James Milner, Loris Karius and Dejan Lovren, all of whom missed Saturday’s friendly against Hertha Berlin will be available to be selected in one of the games, if not both of them. Lovren, who was an unused substitute on Saturday, will definitely be able to feature in today’s clash against Bayern Munich.
In less positive news, Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Ward (both back), Origi (hamstring) and Gomez (knee) are all set to miss the two-game tournament. Although none of them are suffering from serious injuries, at this stage of the season it is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to fitness.
The club are also staying cautious in regards to Danny Ings, as he continues his progress back from a serious ligament injury. Klopp explained the thought process by saying, “He is in a really good way and we are very pleased with what he is doing, But it is smart and responsible for him that we allow him maximum time and sessions, both individually and with the team.
“So maybe not involved in the matches just yet but that means nothing more than we take our time and make him strong and ready to be a part of what we are going to do.”
Awoniyi secures 17/18 loan deal
Taiwo Awoniyi will spend the 2017/18 season on loan with Belgian second-tier side, Royal Excel Mouscron. The striker, who is yet to set foot on the pitch at the Melwood training facility despite signing for the Reds in 2015, has spent the last three years out on loan in Europe, as the club strive to help him meet work permit regulations.
U18s fixtures announced
Steven Gerrard’s U18s have had their fixtures for the upcoming season announced. They’ll kickoff their campaign away at Derby County on August 11th. The two Merseyside derbies will take place on September 22nd (home) and February 10th (away) before the season ends at home to Manchester United on April 20th.