Jurgen Klopp labels RB Leipzig "lucky" over Naby Keita saga

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 21 July 2017

Jurgen Klopp claims that RB Leipzig are fortunate that they do not need to sell their star players to operate, much like he did during his time with Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called RB Leipzig owner Dietrich Mateschitz "lucky" as he is under little pressure to sell key asset Naby Keita.

The Reds have been frustrated in their attempt to sign the 22-year-old, reportedly seeing their latest £66m offer knocked back by the German club.

Speaking earlier this week Mateschitz stressed that there was "no way" Leipzig would sell Keita, as they do not need to "make a lot of money" to continue challenging at the top of the Bundesliga.

Asked for his thoughts on these comments, former Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp told reporters: "What did he say? Lucky man, huh? They don't have to sell players. When I was at Dortmund we always had to sell players.

"Meanwhile, they don't have to sell players any more so, obviously, I'm always a little bit too late. What can I say? There's nothing to say about this."

Liverpool, who could now turn their attention to other targets, have so far recruited Dominic Solanke and Mohamed Salah during the off-season.