Jurgen Klopp was asked in his press conference on Friday whether he was planning to bring in a defender in the summer amid speculation over new arrivals. He laughed and replied, “Ha ha ha! I like that, a direct question!” He then went on to say that they look in all departments, apart from goalkeeper, in the moment. Earlier in the day, Klopp had emphatically denied that Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian could leave the club in the transfer window. He also mentioned that if there is a good one out there, he would not deny it. The change in system has revitalised a number of players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho, while Curtis Jones has emerged as a first-choice starter. Liverpool are still expected to sign a number of new midfielders this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister, Mason Mount, Ryan Gravenberch and Matheus Nunes among their targets. When asked if an upturn in fortunes on the pitch had left him to rethink his transfer plans, Klopp was adamant and replied, “No, not really. No, nothing changed.” Whether those plans include another defender is unclear, but as Liverpool aim to finish the season with a run of nine consecutive wins and a place in the Champions League, they can at least now build from a position of strength.
