Philippe Coutinho's Liverpool future not worrying Jurgen Klopp despite January uncertainties
Tuesday 5 December 2017 21:07, UK
Jurgen Klopp admits "nothing" makes him sure Philippe Coutinho will still be at Liverpool in February, but he is not thinking about it yet.
Barcelona have insisted they are ready to bid for Coutinho in January, despite Liverpool rejecting a £113m offer for the player in the summer and his own desire to secure a move to the Nou Camp.
Coutinho missed the first six games of the season as Barcelona's pursuit intensified, but the Brazil international has returned to form in recent weeks - scoring an intelligent free-kick and adding two assists in Liverpool's win over Brighton on Saturday.
Live Nissan Super Sunday
But asked what makes him sure Coutinho would still be at Liverpool in February, Klopp said: "Nothing, but I don't think about it. Not one second. I'm not unsure, I'm not sure, I don't think about it."
Klopp, speaking ahead of Liverpool's final Champions League group game against Spartak Moscow, added: "I have a team to prepare for tomorrow night and no one knows what will happen in a nice and calm January transfer window and all the teams around the world - it's nice from the outside view."
Liverpool will secure qualification to the knockout rounds with a draw, having let a 3-0 lead slip away at Sevilla in their last game, while victory over their Russian opponents on Wednesday will secure them top spot in Group E.
Klopp has the added concern of facing Everton in Sunday's Merseyside derby, live on Sky Sports Premier League, but the Liverpool boss insists his side have enough time in between the fixtures to avoid him weakening his line-up.
"We have enough time after tomorrow night," said Klopp. "We will be prepared. We want to go through and we have the chance so we will not hesitate to line up our best team as we did always so far.
"Even when we made changes it was about bringing in players who have the fresh legs to win the game."
Liverpool's Mane man?
Klopp has yet to utilise the 'fab four' of Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane together on a regular basis.
Mane, who starred in his first campaign at Anfield with 15 goals for the club, was rested for the victory over Brighton - but maintains he is content with his role in the side and respects Klopp's tactical decisions.
"Honestly, each player in the world would love to play every," he said. "But we are Liverpool, a big team, many good players.
"So we have to accept the decision of the coach, respect your team-mates, and the club, because we are doing great, that is the most important thing, always the team is first."
