Liverpool no longer a stepping stone as Jürgen Klopp believes Sadio mane will stay for the long-term

Improved results and a stronger squad has convinced Klopp that his players have no reason to leave Anfield even if their performances continue to attract attention

Tuesday 31 July 2018 08:36 BST
Comments
Liverpool 2018/19 Premier League profile

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp is hopeful that the optimism surrounding the club will lead to key players, including playmaker Sadio Mane, committing their long-term futures to the Premier League side.

The Merseyside outfit impressed under Klopp last season with the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Mane spurring the team on to a fourth-placed league finish and the Champions League final.

The club's progress has led to top players, including Salah and Firmino, signing new long-term contracts earlier this year and Klopp is optimistic that Mane will follow suit.

"When I speak about the good mood in the club, that is not only in the stands. We are Liverpool as a team and the boys want to be part of it," Klopp said.

"That's really cool and it's a big achievement for the club because these boys, Bobby Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, and a lot of the others as well, could play for pretty much any team in the world.

"It is an improved situation that these players don't use us and then go. It's cool but now we all together have to deliver. Sign your contracts but now, go again."

The German boss believes Liverpool's four new signings in the current transfer window are sufficient and said the club will not need to replace attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who moved to Barcelona in January.

"We don't need to replace Phil. We need to make a squad for the next year. Out there on the market, there isn't a Phil Coutinho-light. It's not there. But there are a lot of good players and we have brought a few of them in," Klopp added.

Klopp believes Liverpool's signings this summer means they do not need to replace Coutinho
Klopp believes Liverpool's signings this summer means they do not need to replace Coutinho (Getty)

Liverpool will play friendlies against Italian teams Napoli and Torino before hosting West Ham United in the opening league fixture on 12 August.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in