Soccer

Klopp responds to Jamie Carragher transfer statement with Liverpool admission

Jurgen Klopp is uncertain whether Liverpool will move to strengthen their defence during the January transfer window.

The Reds have endured a defensive nightmare through much of the current campaign, yet remain top of the Premier League table.

First-choice pairing Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are both still out with long-term knee injuries and remain unlikely to play again this season.

Meanwhile Joel Matip has had his own injury problems during 2020-21, and is currently nursing an adductor injury.

With Dejan Lovren having departed last summer, that has pressed Fabinho into regular duty in the back four, with the Brazilian impressing at the heart of the back line despite a rotating cast alongside him.

Teenager Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have both made starts, but former Kop captain Jamie Carragher is among a number of pundits who have urged Klopp to strengthen now the transfer window is open.

Carragher said: "It is inconceivable that Liverpool will not sign another centre-half at the earliest opportunity.”

“I cannot understand the logic of not doing so. The club needed one anyway.”

However, Liverpool have since dismissed suggestions that they are keen to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this month.

Asked about the possibility of incomings in the coming weeks, Klopp said: “We have solutions in the squad obviously but we struggled still with injuries.

“For most of the time with centre-half position, it can happen like this – when it starts, it does not stop.

“We have solutions with the squad but if we can do something in the window, I don’t know. It is like that.

“It is a very difficult transfer window, as you can imagine. Not all of the clubs have real money. Just doing something makes no sense. Doing the right thing makes sense.

“So far, we have really liked what we have done.”

The Reds witnessed both Manchester United and Manchester City close the gap at the top of the table ahead of Monday night’s meeting with Southampton on the south coast.

And having won the title at a canter last term, Klopp is in no doubts that things will be much tighter between now and the end of the season.

"Yes, for sure,” he said. “Last season was very tough for us as well. It was not as though we thought, ‘Oh my god this is easy’.

“It was really tough and this year is tough again.

“I am not surprised it is that close. We have our situation and all the other clubs have their situation. Our season is so far so good. Not more, not less.

“We try to be ready for each game. Now Southampton will ask for different things. Then Aston Villa [in the FA Cup], then Man Utd.

“This season is a tough one for the supporters. If you are a neutral you will love it, I am pretty sure, because it will go to the wire probably.

“But it is tough for all of us – which is the reason why it is so close!”

Should Liverpool sign a new defender this month? Have your say in the comments.

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