Champions League would be ‘icing on the cake’ for German boss
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp thinks that finishing in the top 4 this season will certainly help him in the transfer market this summer.
The Reds are just one win away from a top 4 finish. They must beat already-relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield on Sunday to qualify for the Champions League next season in Klopp’s 100th game as Liverpool manager.
And Klopp admits that securing that Champions League prize after a three-year absence from the competition is fundamentally important for the Reds, but says he will not sign players whose sole motivation is playing in the Champions League.
“I said before Champions League is a wonderful competition. Fans love it, players love it, managers love it,” Klopp said.
“Of course you can earn a lot of money there. Money we didn’t have last year. That’s very interesting, it’s one part of it, but we are a club without financial problems, we are in a good position.
“We have money to spend but we always thought it made sense to think before we spend. We are working hard not only on the pitch.
“On the table situation over the last 10 years, from the outside Liverpool always looked like a massive club. I can only speak from this German view, about other clubs – Chelsea has the money, Manchester City is coming up, Man United is Man United – all that stuff. This view changed.
“We are a really interesting project. Everybody can see from outside the mood is different, the few people are different. The base is still there, still the size and power of this club, and then there’s the players’ perspective – and that’s really changed. We feel this but they have to see it before they make a decision.
“We made a decision – because that’s always how it is in these talks – you commit 100 per cent and then a player says ‘sounds good, but…’. Plan C you have to sign when Plan A and B is not there, but the players are really positive this year in comparison to last year.
“They saw our way and saw the football. Champions League would be the icing on the cake [but] if Champions League is the only reason for a player to come it makes no sense for him or for us.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
