Liverpool

Klopp Will Not Consider Coutinho Until After International Break

Jurgen Klopp admits the Philippe Coutinho situation is “not too easy for anybody” – and is not thinking about how the Brazilian could be reintegrated into the side.

Liverpool have rejected three bids from Barcelona for their wantaway midfielder, who handed in a transfer request earlier this month.

The 25-year-old is yet to feature for the Reds since he expressed his desire to leave Anfield as he is suffering from a back injury.

The German coach oversaw Sadio Mane step up in Coutinho’s absence to provide the winner against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and Klopp praised the concentration of his side despite the off-field distractions.

Yet when asked what Liverpool have to do to bring the player back into the fold, Klopp believes that it something to consider once the transfer window closes – despite the club’s insistence he is not for sale at any price.

“At the moment, as you can imagine, it’s not too easy for anybody, but we have to be concentrated on the job on the pitch, and I really think the boys did brilliant,” Klopp said.

“I don’t think that it makes sense to think too much ahead, what can happen and when.

“The situation is like it is, and it has not changed, that’s all I know. When there is no other decision possible – on the 31st of August – then we have to think about everything new.”

Barcelona, meanwhile, are on the verge of completing a deal for Nice’s Ivorian midfielder Jean Michael Seri.