This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
As Liverpool prepares to kick off the Premier League season at home to promoted Norwich City, manager Juergen Klopp has offered a candid assessment of the team's transfer activity.
With title rivals strengthening their squads, Klopp's only major purchase was the £1.8 million signing of Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg, who joined the team with just hours left until the transfer window shut on Thursday.
When asked if there would be any last-minute deals at Anfield, Klopp quipped, "You should go to Everton, I think they are more busy!"
He emphasized that Liverpool's transfer strategy is centered around identifying the right options and making informed decisions, rather than making signings for the sake of it.
"Our transfer window was checking options and thinking about it and making decisions, that's how we do it always. Then if nothing happens it's because it was not the right option for us," Klopp explained.
Despite speculation surrounding a potential return of former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, Klopp declined to comment, sounding content with the squad's strength.
With Liverpool having amassed 97 points last season, won the Champions League, and having long-term injury absentee Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain available again, it's hardly surprising that Klopp is optimistic about the team's prospects.
"We have lots of options and different lineups," Klopp said, highlighting the team's depth and flexibility.
As Liverpool kicks off the Premier League season on Friday, they have a chance to lay down an early marker against a Norwich side who won the Championship last year.
Despite being unbeaten in their last 12 league games against the Canaries, Klopp warns that the team must start with the sort of intensity with which they ended last season, when they won their last nine league games in a titanic title battle with Manchester City.
"We have to respect them 100% with the effort and desire we show from the start," Klopp said, emphasizing the importance of creating a strong atmosphere at Anfield.
With Senegal forward Sadio Mane potentially in contention to start despite only arriving back for training on Monday, Klopp is optimistic about the team's chances.
"He only had two weeks off so he didn't lose a lot which is the good news and he looks fit," Klopp said, highlighting Mane's quick recovery from the Africa Cup of Nations.
