---
title: "Klopp talks to the press ahead of crunch Hoffenheim tie"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/klopp-talks-press-ahead-crunch-hoffenheim-tie/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2017-08-14T16:16:21Z"
modified: "2017-08-14T16:16:21Z"
---

# Klopp talks to the press ahead of crunch Hoffenheim tie

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been talking to the press ahead of his side’s crucial Champions League play-off match against Hoffenheim.

The Reds take on Julian Nagelsmann’s side tomorrow evening in the first leg of the tie, and will be keen to take the advantage in the contest against the Bundesliga side.

It’s been an eventful couple of weeks for Liverpool. Their Premier League campaign got underway in dramatic fashion on Saturday, with them only managing to take a point from Vicarage Road in a 3-3 draw. This, along with the ongoing debacle surrounding Philippe Coutinho and his future at Anfield.

![Victor Fraile/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2017/08/821068094-6.jpg)

Klopp has been discussing these matters while addressing the media this evening, and has insisted that he will not let the situation regarding the Brazilian playmaker deter his focus on the task at hand – beating Hoffenheim tomorrow.

> Twitter: Klopp on Coutinho: “Nothing has changed. Not one one side or the other side. He’s not available for us at the moment. That’s main issue.” (@JamesPearceEcho)

> Twitter: Klopp: “In car on the way to the press conference I wasn’t thinking about it (Coutinho). I only think about players I have in this moment.” (@JamesPearceEcho)

The German tactician was also full of praise for the Bundesliga’s surprise package from last season.

> Twitter: Klopp: “I am pleased for my agent because I’m the old horse in the stable and there is a young horse now in Nagelsmann.” (@JamesPearceEcho)

> Twitter: Klopp: “We’ve been together for 20 months now. We know about their quality and their tactical fouls which is part of the game.” (@JamesPearceEcho)

> Twitter: Klopp: “I’ve known Hoffenheim since 2007/08 when they got promoted instead of Mainz. We were fourth, they were third. (@JamesPearceEcho)

Klopp also stated that Daniel Sturridge is making good progress in his road to recovery, and is set to be fit and available for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

> Twitter: Klopp on Sturridge: “He was close (to being available). Two more sessions and he will be ready for the weekend.” (@JamesPearceEcho)

Sturridge pulled up after netting in Liverpool’s rampant win against Bayern Munich in pre-season.