Jurgen Klopp’s decision not to bring in high-profile signings is a risk, but he has earned the supporters’ trust.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Klopp has outlined his thinking in the transfer market, stating that bringing in new faces can sometimes be uncalled for:
You should never do transfers because other clubs are doing transfers. That makes no sense, it’s not about that.
And if you sit back for a second and have a look at the squad, do we need more players? People will say, yes, we need a substitute for Sadio Mane, for Mohamed Salah, whatever.
But those players are here. So, do you get a one-for-one replacement? A big signing?
People think that players from other clubs, other countries, are better than the players we have here but without really having the proof, because those players haven’t played here, or whatever else.
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Klopp has never been one to overreact in the transfer market, often only acquiring players he desperately wants.
Whereas some of his rivals may be prone to panic buying, he will trust the players at his disposal and not spend money for the sake of it.
This approach has been hugely successful during his time as Liverpool manager, but that hasn’t guaranteed it has earned resounding support.
This summer, in particular, has seen frustration aired at the lack of business, with many fans concerned that the Reds are not kicking on after being crowned European champions.
This frustration is understandable – Liverpool stood still after impressive seasons in 2002, 2009 and 2014 – but Klopp has also proven that he should be trusted when it comes to signings.
Not only has he made some of the Reds’ most successful purchases in years – Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane all spring to mind – but he has also brought in very few duds.
If Klopp believes the squad available to him is good enough to battles across all fronts this season, his past decisions prove that he is likely to be correct.
If his plan backfires and Liverpool look short of depth, though, he can’t complain if some criticism heads in his direction.
