In the buildup to Jurgen Klopp‘s Wednesday press conference, we round up the pick of the morning’s news, including updates on Ilkay Gundogan.
Ilkay Gundogan Quashes Liverpool Speculation
Bad news, Liverpool fans: Gundogan is happy at Borussia Dortmund.
The 24-year-old has been tenuously linked with a reunion with Klopp following the former Dortmund manager’s arrival at Anfield, but he has told reporters this week that he is “comfortable” where he is.
“This is an issue that is always floating around,” he said, addressing these rumours.
“I am very happy with BVB and feel very comfortable here. Of course, I can imagine remaining here beyond the end of the season.”
Gundogan is one Dortmund player who would immediately improve Klopp’s first-team squad, with his high-energy, box-to-box performances in the midfield perfectly suited to the Reds’ system.
But Klopp may have to look elsewhere.
Ruben Neves, anyone?
FSG to Attend Rubin Kazan Clash
After moving to replace Brendan Rodgers with Klopp, John W. Henry and Tom Werner are both set to attend Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Rubin on Thursday night.
Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph reports that the pair, along with Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon, “will be able to make a comparison with the manager’s style of football to that of his predecessor.”
FSG will be perfectly poised to soak in the atmosphere of Klopp’s first game in charge at Anfield, and will be pleased to see the German embracing the squad they have assembled.
The last time Henry was on Merseyside was in August, with the FSG owner assessing the club’s stadium renovation.
‘I would not leave Liverpool,’ Lucio tells Coutinho
Following links with moves to both Barcelona and Real Madrid this season, Philippe Coutinho has been warned off a move to the La Liga giants.
Former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan centre-back Lucio, a regular in the Brazil national team between 2000 and 2011, believes that Coutinho’s development is best served on Merseyside.
“If it was my decision, I would stay. If I was Coutinho, I would not leave Liverpool,” he told IBTimes UK.
“Barcelona have several star players like Messi, Suarez and Neymar. If Coutinho joins Barcelona, he has to play wherever the coach wants him to play, which would be to fill in here and there.
“In the last season, Coutinho was the standout player for Liverpool. He can continue there and can go on to become a very big player for them.
“Regarding his future, it is a decision only Coutinho could take, but as a friend I would suggest him to stay at Liverpool.”
With the likes of Neymar and David Luiz attempting to persuade Coutinho to join Barcelona in recent weeks, it is refreshing to hear Lucio’s take on the topic.
Jurgen Klopp‘s pre-Rubin Kazan press conference will take place at 2pm on Wednesday, stay with This is Anfield for updates throughout the afternoon.
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