Jurgen Klopp explains why he won’t replace Philippe Coutinho in January
Anfield boss delighted to have Adam Lallana and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain to fill the departed Brazilian's boots
JURGEN KLOPP believes the returning Adam Lallana and in-form Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can cover for the loss of Philippe Coutinho.
And the Liverpool boss is adamant he will not spend just to satisfy those who believe Coutinho should be replaced now.
Coutinho finally joined Barcelona for £142million this month after a protracted transfer saga that began in the summer.
And Klopp explained why the Reds won't replace the Brazilian this month.
He said: “It is not that Adam Lallana is a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, but he is back. Cool.
"It is another wonderful, creative, offensive midfield player.
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"Does he have the same free kick as Philippe Coutinho? No, but there are a lot of things he can do. He can make us stronger in these situations.
“Oxlade-Chamberlain was here all the time with Phil together but he can do a job."
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Lallana has played six times since returning from a thigh injury. The 29-year-old started in the wins against Burnley in the Premier League and Everton in the FA Cup.
Klopp says Lallana is not yet 100 per cent - but he has backed the former Southampton midfielder to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.
He said: “Wow. If Mr Southgate can leave Adam Lallana out of his squad, then really I congratulate you already to winning the World Cup. Because then it is a squad like I can’t imagine how strong.”
And Klopp believes Liverpool are reaping the benefits from showing patience in Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The 24-year-old took time to settle following his £35million move from Arsenal in the summer.
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Now Klopp says he was surprised at Southgate’s decision to omit him from squads for friendlies with Germany and Brazil in November.
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“I think if a player has quality, patience always shows off,” said Klopp.
“It is no criticism.
"When Gareth Southgate didn’t nominate Oxlade-Chamberlain because he didn’t play often enough for the club, there was a moment when I thought ‘oh, wow’."