London: Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that any decision about Philippe Coutinho leaving Liverpool is out of his hands, with the manager claiming his “bosses” have the final say on any players going in or out of the club.
Coutinho is desperate to join Barcelona and the Brazilian submitted a transfer request on Friday to try to force the move through, yet Liverpool remain adamant he will stay.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Watford, Klopp outlined how things work at Anfield when it comes to transfers, in particular the fact that he does not have total control when it comes to players’ futures.
Asked about Coutinho’s transfer request, which was emailed to Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s sporting director, Klopp said: “I didn’t get it but I can say something that is maybe more important. As a manager of a football club I have bosses, and if bosses decide, for example, just in general, if we sell a player or we don’t sell him, then I have to accept it. I cannot say anything about it [the transfer request]. I work with the players I have – that is what I’m always doing.”
Asked whether he was upset with Coutinho’s conduct, the manager said: “First of all, if I would be upset with the player, I would tell him.”
