Philippe Coutinho's future is at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp says
Thursday 17 November 2016 15:46, UK
Jurgen Klopp says he is confident Philippe Coutinho's future is at Liverpool despite renewed links with Barcelona.
Coutinho has five Premier League goals already this season and enhanced his reputation during the international break with a long-range strike for Brazil against Argentina.
His performances earned praise this week from Nou Camp great Xavi, who said "there are not many better midfield players in Europe" and suggested "he would suit Barcelona's philosophy well".
But Klopp does not anticipate Coutinho or any of his stars jumping ship while Liverpool remain on the upward curve that has taken them top of the league with 11 games played.
"At this moment I am not worried about anything," the Reds boss said. "The players like to be here and it is our job to make sure it stays like this.
Trending
- World Darts Championship: Lukeman behind after Rydz's rapid win LIVE!
- Rashford left out of Man Utd squad to face Spurs after 'new challenge' comments
- Transfer Centre LIVE! 'Saudi could offer Rashford way out of Man Utd'
- Five years of Arteta: Arsenal transformed but what's next?
- World Darts Championship schedule: Smith in action on Thursday
- Usyk vs Fury 2: Start time, ring walks, undercard and odds
- The Friedkin Group complete Everton takeover
- Wolves appoint Pereira to succeed O'Neil
- Tottenham vs Man Utd: We'll see - Amorim on Rashford featuring vs Spurs
- Lawson confirmed as Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate for 2025
"My opinion is that he feels really well here. We all hope and think that his future is here at Liverpool. It is creating the perspective that no-one wants to leave. That is all it is about.
"If there is a club that can pay double what we pay then I will bring the player there because who am I to say 'no, no no, please don't think about the family and the kids and the grandkids and their kids', but I don't know a lot of clubs in the world who are able to do this.
"First of all before we talk about money we have to create an atmosphere in and around the club where no-one wants to leave."
Klopp is predicting even more to come from Coutinho at Anfield, and he said: "Everyone forgets he is still very young. He is 24 so he has a lot of space for improvement and development.
"He is now at an age where the skills, in a mixture with his experience, gives you more consistency. With the team-mates he has around him it is getting better and better. I am sure he has only started and that is all good."
