Liverpool press conference full transcript: Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson on Hoffenheim, Coutinho and more
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Liverpool are preparing for their Champions League qualifier clash against Bundesliga Hoffenheim.
The Reds touched down in Germany earlier on Monday, before manager Jurgen Klopp and captain Jordan Henderson were put up in front of the media when they were quizzed on a number of subjects.
Chief among these was the future of Philippe Coutinho , following the Brazilian's transfer request last week.
Cash-rich Barcelona are desperate to land the 25-year-old, but the Reds are digging their heels, as the saga overshadows the start to their Premier League campaign.
Here's what the Liverpool pair had to say in full.
Klopp on tomorrow's game
(Image: Andrew Powell)
“We fought really hard for this opportunity, after the (Boro) game we knew we were fourth and then we found out we were seeded.”
Then we saw some of the teams we could still get. They are strong, we are strong and that’s how it should be. Both have big aims.
"No-one knows in Liverpool that Hoffenheim is a small city.
“I’ve known Hoffenheim since 2007/08 when they got promoted instead of Mainz. We were fourth, they were third.”
Klopp on Coutinho
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“Nothing has changed.
“Not one one side or the other side. He’s not available for us at the moment. That’s main issue.
“There’s nothing to say about it.
“I really understand everybody is interested in it, but at this moment I’m not thinking about it.
“I will answer questions but I’m not in the car, on the way to this press conference, thinking ‘if they ask this question, what can I say?’ because I have to think about the (training) session in a few minutes.
“It was always like this. I work with the players I have, I don’t think about the players I don’t have at the moment.
“If they’re injured, whatever, you cannot change, it’s the same situation for me.
“I think I’ve said everything you can say about it, if you want to ask do, but I have no more answers.”
Klopp on the transfer window
(Image: Offside Sports Photography)
“It would have helped us this year (if the window had shut when the season started). The whole market has changed this year.
“In car on the way to the press conference I wasn’t thinking about it (Coutinho). I only think about players I have in this moment.”
Klopp on experience
(Image: Getty)
“We’ve been together for 20 months now. We know about their quality and their tactical fouls which is part of the game.
“I am pleased for my agent because I’m the old horse in the stable and there is a young horse now in Nagelsmann.”
Henderson on the mood in the squad
(Image: Liverpool FC)
“It’s still very positive. You have to get over things quickly. Hopefully we can put on a good performance tomorrow.”
Henderson on Firmino
(Image: Getty)
“He’s a massive player for the team. Hopefully he can have another good season for us.”
Henderson on Coutinho
(Image: Clive Brunskill)
“It’s a difficult situation for Phil and whatever I say won’t help matters.
“We want Phil to stay because he’s a world class player.
"I don’t think I can influence the situation but I can have conversations with him.
“But at the end of the day anything that happens has nothing to do with me.”
Henderson on losing the 2016 Europa League final
“You have to use that and make sure you don’t have that feeling again,”