Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool have enough centre-backs'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 17 August 2018

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says that he has enough players who can play at centre-back having given the green light for Ragnar Klavan to sign for Cagliari Calcio.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested that he has no concerns regarding strength in depth at centre-back.

Reports have suggested that Ragnar Klavan is close to completing a switch to Cagliari Calcio, which would leave Virgil van Dijk, Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip as the club's only specialised players in the middle of the backline.

However, Joe Gomez, Matt Phillips and Fabinho are all capable of deputising in the position, and that has seemingly left Klopp content with his options.

At a press conference, the 50-year-old told reporters: "There's no doubt about Joe's ability to play centre-half, but he needs time. He's had a long injury. He's fit which is very good. Together with Virgil they have a very good understanding.

"We have the others as well. Joel is close to being back and could be in the squad on Monday. Dejan is still injured but we have Matt Phillips and Fabinho can play the position as well, if we need.

"That's good. We have enough players. We need to see who fits the opponents best and then pick the lineup."

Gomez is likely to partner Van Dijk when Liverpool face Crystal Palace on Monday night.