Liverpool boss insists talent isn’t everything he looks for in a signing
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said he would never sign an a*******, no matter how talented a footballer he is.
The Reds came from 2-0 and 3-1 down to win 4-3 at Anfield on Thursday night, to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League – having knocked out the competition’s favourites Borussia Dortmund.
And it is that fighting spirit Klopp is demanding from his players, otherwise, he says, they will have no future at Anfield.
“Anyone can have a good day but you have to be able to perform on a bad day.” Klopp said.
“That’s what you live for as a sportsman. You have to put up a fight.
“If you are full of motivation as a player, if you are full of concentration I am open arms.
“If you are not, of course [I am hard] but only because to work with players who don’t understand the professional part of this life is a waste of time.
“I would never sign an a * ****** just because he’s great at football.”
Busy summer
The former Dortmund boss is expecting to have a busy summer, as he has looks to bring in his own transfer targets – with just loan signing Steven Caulker and Marko Grujic moving to Anfield in January.
Mario Gotze, who he worked with at Dortmund, is the biggest name currently being linked with a move to north-west England.
Meanwhile Joel Matip will join the club on a free transfer this summer, when his contract with Schalke expires.
And after the 48-year-old’s recent comments, you can be sure that the German will not only assess a player’s ability and whether they suit the club’s playing style, but whether they are ready to fight for the club.
Liverpool’s victory in the Europa League has seriously put the Reds in contention for the European crown, and Champions League football next season.
