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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he cannot explain Chelsea’s recent spending spree on incoming transfers and prefers to focus on managing his own side instead.
Asked about Chelsea’s spending of over 400 million since the takeoever of the club by new ownership of Clearlake Capital led by Todd Boehly. A sum of 140 million of that sum has been spent by the club over the last two weeks in the current January transfer window.
Klopp’s Liverpool on the other hand have spent much less although they did still splash the cash on Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez last summer, for a fee that could rise to as high as 85 million pounds if add-ons are met. The side also signed Fabio Carvahlo from Fulham for 5 million pounds as well as Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen for a fee of 6.5 million pounds.
Recently, the side spent 38 million pounds to bring in Netherlands winger Cody Gakpo fro m PSV Eindhoven earlier in this window but look set to not bring in any more players until next summer.
Chelsea’s Transfer ‘Impressive’ Spend
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At a press conference on Friday, ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, Klopp was asked whether or not Chelsea’s lavish spending has made the race to the division’s top four places more difficult than in recent years.
“Maybe,” Klopp replied, “It may get probably even worse or better, I don’t know exactly how you want to say it.
“Interesting (the spending). I cannot explain it, I have no idea,” the Reds boss said, “But if the numbers are true then it’s impressive.”
Liverpool Football Club was reported to have been put up for sale by its American owners, Fenway Sports Group, last year but the organisation appears to have since changed its mind on cashing in on the Merseyside club.
More investment from the ownership could see fund made available to Klopp so the German can revamp his side ahead of next season. Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool and the England midfielders talents could certainly revitalize the Reds midfield.
Chelsea Won’t Spend in Same Manner Forever
Klopp said that he was not too concerned with the Blues spending in terms of competing at the top end of the English top flight, adding that Chelsea were unlikely to be able to spend similar sums every season.
“I don’t think Chelsea can do this in the same manner for the next 10 years – I don’t know, maybe they can,” the Liverpool manager said.
“Other teams will have ups and downs and we just have to be there,” Klopp commented, “I can’t see investment stopping in the future and that means we have to do it as well.”
Klopp added that his point of view when it comes to management is all about “developing” the players at his disposal.
“We don’t talk about now because it’s always slightly different, but in general,” the Reds boss said, “I believe in coaching, I believe in developing, I believe in team-building and using those things 100 per cent.”
“Meanwhile there are so many good managers out there it’s crazy so they believe in that as well – and if they start really properly spending and do those things as well, then you cannot not spend or you will have a little bit of a problem,” he stated.
“The moment you build a new team, it doesn’t mean you have to build it every year new, (you) give players the chance to make the next step,” he added.
“We have quite a few of them already here,” Klopp added, “Then a lot of things are possible again. That’s the plan for the future.”
“It’s not worrying that other teams can spend, it’s probably a matter of fact. We have to react to that as well but not just to that.”
Klopp Reflects on Long Career
Klopp is set for his 1000th game in charge of the Reds when they take on Graham Potter’s Chelsea on Saturday afternoon. Both traditionally top four clubs, both sides find themselves struggling for form this season and Liverpool sit in ninth while Chelsea linger in 10th.
The victor of tomorrow’s clash could set themselves up for a good second half of the season while the loser is sure to be further discouraged about their faith come the end of the season. Both teams will be under pressure to make it into the top four and secure Champions League football and the money it brings for next season.
The teams are even on points with 28 a piece although Chelsea have played a game more than Liverpool. Klopp has indicated that he is optimistic for the rest of the season despite his side’s recent form.
“We are here in a good position. I know that sounds strange because we didn’t play our best football but in general we are in good hands,” the Reds boss said.
“So we don’t get crazy or whatever. We really know about the responsibility we have and we really try absolutely everything to try to bring us back on track and not worry too much,” he added.
The Liverpool manager also took time to reflect on his career in management up to the current day, speaking of the pressures of his job.
“The beard is now really grey, that was not the case when I arrived here,” the German joked, “I’m not sure if that is because of the age or because of Liverpool.”
“It was not for one second boring, that is the best thing you can say about your working life, and the best thing I can imagine to do,” he continued.
“I am absolutely fine with the excitement, the pressure, the outstanding moments and the lesser good moments. It is part of the deal.”
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