Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp: 'Philippe Coutinho can fulfil ambitions at Anfield'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 08 December 2017

Jurgen Klopp says that nothing he says will stop the speculation regarding Philippe Coutinho's future, but reiterates that Anfield is the right place for the Brazilian.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has told playmaker Philippe Coutinho that Anfield is the perfect place for him to fulfil his career ambitions.

The 25-year-old is unsure whether he will still be a Reds player come the end of the January transfer window as Barcelona retain a solid interest in his services.

Questions over the Brazil international's future will continue to rumble on, but Klopp - already tired of the speculation with three weeks to go before the market reopens - insists that leaving for the Catalan giants will not necessarily equate to more self-gratification.

"Nothing will ever stop these rumours but I have nothing to say about them. That won't change," he told reporters. "I'm pretty sure the players know about their development here. I think it's obvious. If you want to see it, if you don't want to see it, I'm completely fine.

"The players know about the value the club has for them. There's no doubt about that. It's not that I have to say 'look what I did for that player!' In my opinion it's a clear deal.

"It's my job to help him reach his 100% potential and quality. The job of the player is then to bring it on the pitch and stay healthy and fit and have the perfect attitude - that's not about me."

Coutinho has scored nine times in all competitions for a Liverpool side boasting 62 goals this term - their best total after 24 games since 1895.