Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool need no more centre-backs'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 07 August 2017

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists that he is happy with the centre-backs currently at the club amid reports linking the Reds with Southampton's Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he is "happy" with the centre-backs at his disposal ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Reds have been linked with Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk all summer, but withdrew their interest and apologised after his parent club complained to the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach.

Van Dijk's days at St Mary's continue to look numbered, however, as the 26-year-old has been training away from the first team and played no part in their pre-season matches, having reportedly told boss Mauricio Pellegrino that he wants to leave the club.

Despite speculation continuing to link the Dutchman to Anfield, Klopp claims that he is not looking to strengthen his defence prior to Liverpool's opening-day encounter with Watford.

The German told Sky Sports News: "Look out there and tell me five that would make us stronger. Five. Then you win a prize. It's difficult how it is.

"We have four. I don't think we need more. We cannot force the things and we would never get a centre back just [for the sake of it].

"I'm happy. You can imagine we are still working on different things and we will see if it works. I am already here to work with this squad and not just always thinking 'but if we don't get this or this'."

Van Dijk, who joined Southampton from Celtic in 2015, is contracted to the south coast club until 2022.