Thursday 11 May 2017 17:32, UK
Jurgen Klopp says there are "no plans" to sell Philippe Coutinho and insists Liverpool are more focused on adding to the squad rather than letting players go.
The Brazilian has been in fine form this season and his haul of 10 Premier League goals represents his best return since arriving at Anfield in January 2013.
He has constantly been linked with a move to Barcelona, with a Catalan newspaper claiming this week that an agreement had already been reached between the club and the player, but the 24-year-old only signed a new five-year contract in January and that gives Klopp confidence.
"When did he sign his new contract?" the German said when asked about the interest in Coutinho, jokingly adding: "With a £400m clause!
"There are absolutely no plans [to sell]. What our owners say is there is the absolute opportunity not to sell anybody if we do not want to. That means we can bring in other players and it is a good situation. We have a stable squad with a good basis.
"We want to bring a few in with fresh blood, but nobody will leave us without our say so I am completely relaxed about this."
In addition to new signings, Klopp will be looking forward to seeing the club's players' player and supporters' player of the year Sadio Mane fit again for pre-season after his campaign was ended by a knee injury in April which required surgery.
Mane is already looking at stepping up his recovery and is confident his team-mates can deliver Champions League football next season with six points from their last two matches guaranteeing their top-four place.
"It's getting better, much better. The operation went well. Soon I will be running again and I should be fine for the start of pre-season," he said. "Every player wants to play every game but injuries are part of football and I just have to accept it.
"It's frustrating being out and having to watch, but my team-mates are still doing a great job on the pitch. I am very confident that they will get the points we need from the final two matches to get us in the top four.
"We have a great manager and he knows what is required. We all want to get this club into the Champions League."
