Klopp's pre-match press conference vs Sheffield United:
On the injury front Klopp says Ox, Joel, Fabinho, Shaqiri and Lovren look good but not ready so it’s the same group as players as last time.
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Hmm. All in a good way, but the long-term injuries nobody back. Ox, Joel, Fabinho, Shaqiri and Lovren look good but not ready. Still some time. It'll be the same group as last time.
Confirms new signing Takumi Minamino enjoyed a light session alongside his new team-mates yesterday but is not eligible to play until the FA Cup game against Everton on Sunday.
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“He was here yesterday, had a light session, enjoyed it a lot, boys were incredible with him. Sadio and Naby, those with Salzburg genetic, it was really nice,” Klopp told reporters.
“If I was to be a new player I’d love to be one in this group as they welcome you with welcome arms, that’s really nice.
“I think he felt it, he wasn’t surprised by that. Communication wise is really good – his English is absolutely OK but his German is really good, it doesn’t help the team much but we can talk.
“We signed the player he was at Salzburg so that means he doesn’t have to change in the moment just be who you are and then we will start working on that and I look forward to it.
“Of course [he will come into contention for Everton.] He’s not allowed [on Thursday], don’t know exactly why.”
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“He will learn English really quick I’m sure, he already speaks a bit.
“Yesterday he was in a rondo with all the English guys and there was a lot of talk, but I’m not sure he got a word as when Milner, Robertson and Trent speak to each other I’m not sure any English guy would understand that!
“But he will adapt 100 percent. Yesterday was the start and now we can work.”
Klopp reiterates that Minamino can play in a variety of forward positions but asks for patience with him.
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“Not really [any way to fast track his development], that’s the little talk we had. I told him that we signed the Minamino from Salzburg, the guy that played against us like crazy and so just be that and everything is fine,” he continued.
“We will see how he fits in but in this period of the season it will not be after 15 weeks when we use him, but is he a finished article in March? I don’t know.
“We will start learning about each other from now on and he will have all the time he needs, how much he’ll need I have no idea. But it would be nice if people could give him some time.
“We have a really good football team already and he’s an offensive player and offensively we have some of the best players in the world.
“But we didn’t bring him in to accept, ‘I’m five, six or whatever in line’ – he can play different positions and we have many options with him.”
Klopp says it isn’t likely that Liverpool will make any further signings in the current transfer window.
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I know the transfer window is open! It's always tricky. But we probably will not be too busy. We will see what happens but it isn't likely
Opposition manager Chris Wilder is praised for his efforts and Klopp says Sheffield United “have an interesting gameplan.”
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When Chris Wilder got manager of year I thought Pep Guardiola won four trophies, so why? I didn't see a lot of Championships last season. But now I see why (the award was given).
On Gomez
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We started the season with four quality centre-backs and Fabinho who can play there. You just have to make sure you are ready when the chance is there. It makes sense to stay calm, and Joe always stayed calm. Playing really well, hopefully can stay fit.
On Adam Lallana’s future, Klopp says both he and the player who is in “sensational shape” know what is going on.
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Everything about Adam Lallana, Adam Lallana knows and I know. I'm really happy he's in sensational shape. He's a very important player at the moment and in the future we will see. Most important thing is he is 100% fit. He is in a perfect place.
On VAR
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It's not the biggest problem in the world. We want to have clarification and right decisions, offside we get that now, the only problem is it feels like half an hour until the toenail is offside. But that's the decision.
We had a manager meeting with UEFA and it was decided to make the line bigger (wider). I would like that. I don't know who would decide that. That it doesn't take so long until a (offside) decision would also be better.
This post has been edited by lcy851031: Jan 1 2020, 10:37 PM