Goater: Klopp is right to not pick Coutinho for City clash
Barcelona wanted Coutinho to bring some energy to their ageing midfield.
But, despite having three bids rejected by Liverpool and the player himself handing in a transfer request, the Reds managed to retain the Brazil international.
In the days since his dream move to the Nou Camp collapsed, reports have suggested Philippe Coutinho could refuse to make himself available for selection in order to ensure he gets his wish in January.
And Spanish outlet Don Balon say Klopp has held crunch talks with the player.
It is said the German boss demanded that Coutinho give his all for Liverpool despite the forthcoming season being different to how the player imagined.
Liverpool News: Philippe Coutinho needed motivating after the Barcelona saga
His head was already in Barcelona, with Coutinho envisaging himself playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
But Klopp has told Coutinho he remains a huge asset for the club as they aim to win a first league title since the days of Kenny Dalglish back in 1990.
Don Balon say that his imminent decision to leave the Brazil international out of the squad for tomorrow’s clash with Manchester City (12.30pm) is due to the fact he is still angry with the player.
But, supposedly, the German will grant Coutinho his wish next summer.
Speaking today, Klopp insisted he was ‘completely fine’ with the 25-year-old.
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Liverpool News: Philippe Coutinho needed motivating by Jurgen Klopp
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Liverpool News: Philippe Coutinho was denied a move to Barcelona
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“He loves football and he still loves this club so there is no problem,” Klopp said.
“He looks like he is the same Philippe. The most important thing is no-one told me anything where I thought 'Oh, that is too much'.
“We don't know how long he will play for the club so there is absolutely no problem and I am completely fine with this situation.
“There was another pretty big club and they wanted to have a player from us and there was a club decision.
“You can't say 'no' and it stops in one day, that's how it is. You have to go through these times and things can be good if you are smart enough to start again.”
