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“We’d have to explain” – Klopp offers sensible explanation for Liverpool transfer u-turn

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By Pranav Ravindrannair

Jurgen Klopp cannot justify spending money on Timo Werner

According to the Metro, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has backed the club’s stance of not pursuing Timo Werner.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Anfield. The player himself openly commented on being able to link up with Klopp.

However, it was not to be as Chelsea agreed to pay the striker’s release clause. The news was met by a lot of grief by Liverpool fans who were unhappy at missing out on the prolific striker.

The same cannot be said for Klopp. The German believes that the club cannot morally justify spending such a vast amount at this point in time.

Jurgen Klopp can understand why Liverpool did not pursue Timo Werner
Jurgen Klopp can understand why Liverpool did not pursue Timo Werner

It is no secret that had the pandemic not occurred, he would have been on top of our wishlist. However, the club has had to keep up with the dynamic situation at hand and do what they thought is best.

Liverpool could lose £150m because of the virus, as matchday revenue plummets due to games being played behind-closed-doors. Apart from originally placing staff on furlough,  players too have had to take pay cuts in order to lessen the burden on the club.

“How do I discuss with the players about things like salary waivers and on the other hand buy a player for £50-60m — we’d have to explain.”

Klopp’s sentiments are understandable given the importance of finances in the modern game. With no certainty as to when supporters will be allowed back in, matchday revenue is in limbo.

Not worth the risk!

The last thing one would want is to sign a player for a mammoth fee and risk unrest in the squad to what can be seen as differential treatment.

“And we have no idea how much the club will earn — especially because we don’t know when we can start playing in front of spectators again.”

With the Anfield Road to be redeveloped and a new training facility coming up in Kirkby, Liverpool has invested significantly in long-term infrastructure.

Liverpool's new training base will be state of the art
The club has invested a lot into infrastructure

Given the manager’s comments, it should cool speculation regarding big-money moves for Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz. Both of them are valued more than Werner.

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With a squad still yet to hit its peak, the club is also well placed to weather the storm. Key players apart from Georginio Wijnaldum have all penned contract extensions that should guarantee their immediate future.

It remains to be seen if the club will do any business this window.