Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said yesterday that the Reds are ‘unlikely’ to sign a new defender in the January transfer window.
Popular football pundit Jamie Carragher said last week that Liverpool could struggle to retain their Premiership title if they fail to sign a new centre-back.
Klopp: "This club will always be very responsible with the things we do. If the world was in a normal place and then 3 senior CBs got injured, is that a situation when you would do something? Yes, usually. But it's not."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) January 7, 2021
Both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are long term absentees, while Joel Matip is injury prone and currently out injured.
Fabinho, a natural central defensive midfielder, has played as a makeshift centre-back this season, while Klopp has kept faith in young academy talents like Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams.
Liverpool have been linked with a host of top European centrebacks including Sergio Ramos, but it seems Klopp has other plans. While he didn’t rule out the possibility of signing a defender completely, he admitted chances are very slim.
Many Liverpool fans have vented their frustration on Twitter after hearing Klopp’s comments, with one fan even claiming it is an ‘unambitious’ move from the club.
Very irresponsible and unambitious from the club. You have all your cbs injured and till don’t think it’s wise to get one. We’re never going anywhere with these useless owners.
— Nate (@Virgilvdlfc) January 7, 2021
might aswell throw the season in the bin then, can’t keep playing midfielders there and matip is as useful as a 3 legged horse
— Matt🚶🏼♂️ (@27MRTxp) January 7, 2021
I hope VVD is ahead of schedule because we can't keep playing without any senior CB'S doing that would give city a massive advantage on us especially now they're picking up some momentum
— JC.in.ni (@JohnCur97894110) January 7, 2021
I will support every decision to the hilt but this is starting to look a little silly 😣
— Dan Davies (@Dan_Davies14) January 7, 2021
We don’t buy we won’t win nothing. Problem we have is fab moving to CB. He was brilliant at DM and was like a rock. Won the ball high up and start attacks quick. Protected the CBs. We haven’t got that now.
— Nick Carter* (@nickcarter8) January 7, 2021
I don’t understand why we wouldn’t get a CB even on a short term loan makes no sense
— Mickey Salaman (@IgorSalamanLFC) January 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/WillieWigley/status/1347237391900282881?s=20
SL View: Liverpool likely to stick with their philosophy
Liverpool are willing to sign a defender but they have a strict criteria, as reported by James Pearce of The Athletic.
The Premier League champions are not willing to sign players just for the sake of it.
Klopp would rather give chances and fail with young talents than sign an average player on a short-term deal who would not fit into his philosophy.
Sven Botman has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, but senior figures at Liverpool have denied any interest in the player.
Liverpool will face Aston Villa in the FA Cup clash on Friday night at Villa Park.
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