Media Digest: Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has given an update on his plans for the rest of the transfer window. There is a timeline for Stefan Bajčetić’s return.
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Addressing the media ahead of Liverpool’s first outing in Singapore, Jürgen Klopp has provided something of a transfer update. Inevitably asked about the midfield situation, he shed some light on the goings-on behind the scenes.
Last time Klopp faced the media, he was able to kick questions about Jordan Henderson and Fabinho down the road, but the Liverpool boss was bound to have to face up to them sooner or later. The captain’s move to Saudi Arabia is now completed, and while he was at pains to be clear that the latter deal is not yet concluded, it looks to be a matter of time.
This is a very different pre-season to what Klopp is used to, with transfer business typically concluded by now. The manager acknowledged that timings are ‘different’, but spoke with optimism.
Addressing the business still to be done, via the Express, he struck a positive tone:
“It’s definitely important to strengthen in midfield. We have to do something, that is clear. We are working on solutions.
“First people want changes, now everyone is worrying about the changes. We are really optimistic about it. Excited as well.”
Klopp branched out beyond transfers. After all, he already has an exciting squad at his disposal, even if the midfield looks worryingly weak at the moment.
The situation will look a lot better once Stefan Bajčetić can return to training. He and Thiago were both left out of the squad that travelled to Singapore as they continue their recoveries from injury, but Klopp gave an expected timeline for last season’s breakthrough star.
Stefan is in the last steps back into team training,” said Klopp, via the ECHO. “We left him and Thiago at home because the travel will cost them maybe three or four days of training so it makes no sense in a very important stage of rehab for both of the boys. The plan is he is back in team training when we arrive back home.
He is a super talented player, a really cool package. It wasn’t a bad injury but for a young player an annoying one where he can feel pretty quickly fit again but still not allowed to do a lot. Then you have to wait and wait and wait until a specific moment and go, and that’s where we are now.
It’s good to hear Liverpool has been proceeding with caution around the 18-year-old, but it’s great news that he should be ready to go upon the squad’s return from Singapore. While Klopp will be wary of immediately overburdening him, he at least relieves a little of the pressure on the transfer search for a Fabinho replacement. Hopefully he has a significant role to play this season, with the manager clearly well aware of his talent.
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