Friday 11 August 2017 13:08, UK
Jurgen Klopp is pleased with the firm stance Liverpool's owners have taken over the future of Philippe Coutinho.
An hour before Klopp's news conference ahead of Saturday lunchtime's visit to Watford - live on Sky Sports Premier League - Liverpool's American owners released a statement saying no offers will be considered for Barcelona target Coutinho this summer.
Coutinho then issued Liverpool with an official transfer request.
"When FSG say something like this it is 100 per cent clear. You can read it and there is nothing else to say about it" Klopp said.
"I am not sure anybody needs proof about [a good relationship with FSG].
"I have bosses, they are FSG and I have no problem. I have never had bosses [that do things I do not like]. It's not about asking for things you cannot get, it's about a relationship. What we do we do to strengthen the club for our supporters."
According to Sky sources, Coutinho had indicated he would like to move to the Nou Camp should an amicable solution be reached between Liverpool and Barcelona.
But Klopp is not worried by the situation, insisting his only concern regards the fitness of the Brazilian, who misses the game at Watford through injury and is also doubtful for the Champions League first leg qualifier against Hoffenheim in midweek.
"He has a back problem. He's not been in training since last Friday so he is not available and he is a doubt for Tuesday, unfortunately."
Asked if he had to take special measures to keep Coutinho happy, Klopp said: "I can't always keep people or players happy. If you are not happy you will not be happy if I say be happy. That is how life is.
"It's not about this at the moment. It's just that Phil is not available at the moment and, for me, actually the bigger issue is that he is unable to play. The rest is not for you, it is between me and all the boys, not just Phil."
Klopp confirmed Daniel Sturridge will also miss Saturday's visit to Vicarage Road. With Adam Lallana also sidelined, Mohamed Salah is in line to make to make his competitive Liverpool debut - and Klopp has been incredibly impressed with the Egyptian since his arrival at the club.
"Everybody can see all his skills," Klopp said.
"He has speed, technical ability and finishing ability. Speed is the most difficult thing to defend in football as it opens up spaces."
