Jurgen Klopp opens the door to selling Philippe Coutinho in January

Jurgen Klopp opens the door to selling Philippe Coutinho in January

Klopp dejó una puerta abierta a la salida de Coutinho en el mercado de invierno
Klopp dejó una puerta abierta a la salida de Coutinho en el mercado de invierno | EFE

The Liverpool coach says it's best to think about the present

He didn't rule out his star player leaving the club in the winter

Philippe Coutinho has been a theme in Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's press conferences since Barcelona tried to sign him in the summer. The Catalan club negotiated with the Premier League club until the last moment. While there was no agreement, at Anfield they're prepared for another round of talks in January. 

Ahead of Sunday's game against Tottenham, Klopp was once again asked about the future of the Brazilian. Days before, Barça CEO Oscar Grau had assured there was money to sign Coutinho "or any other play" in the winter market. 

"We will see what happens in January," he said, leaving the door to an exit open. "In general, Liverpool try to create the optimum conditions so that players want to remain part of the project, but at the moment we can only think about the present, we will see what happens in the winter transfer window." 

Don't forget that Klopp has always spoken strongly about Coutinho not leaving, so his words suggest a change of strategy from the British club. 

coutinho GONE IN JANUARY?

Elsewhere, voices around the club are in favour of selling. Former player Mark Lawrenson says Liverpool erred not selling in the summer. 

"I would have sold him," he said. "If a club is prepared to pay 120 million euros for a player, sell him because tomorrow he could get injured and you're left without the money. Then you can sign two or three players to replace him. Coutinho will probably go in January."

Lawrenson doesn't think it would affect the dressing room too much: "The players are players, too, and if Barça come in for you, you think about it, of course."

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