You\u2019ve just got to hand it to none other than Liverpool\u2019s erstwhile manager Jurgen Klopp when it comes to taking the hard knocks and facing realism like a saint as he has likened talk of big-money signings to a petulant five-year-old asking for a Ferrari for Christmas. This was after the Merseyside club pulled out of the race to sign highly in-demand Borussia Dortmund\u00a0midfielder Jude Bellingham.<\/p>\n
Sources told ESPN on Tuesday that Liverpool had realistically terminated their pursuit for Three Lions international and former Birmingham star Bellingham, opting instead to re-allocate precious funds to a squad overhaul in the summer after an abysmal season with Klopp’s side languishing eighth in the Premier League table, far away from their previously lofty perch of recent years.<\/p>\n
Klopp refused to address the media reports at a news conference on Friday that Liverpool ended their interest in signing the 19-year-old, preferring to speak tangentially saying that he doesn’t compehend talk over transfers that may not happen.<\/p>\n
“There’s nothing to say about it [Bellingham], to be honest,” he told reporters. “If we don’t speak about players we sign or do not sign, why would I talk about these kinds of speculation?”<\/p>\n
“It is not about Jude Bellingham, but I never understand why we talk about things we theoretically cannot have. We cannot have six players in a summer, everyone for \u00a3100 million. That is clear.<\/p>\n
“We are not children. Ask a five-year-old what they want for Christmas and they say a Ferrari, you wouldn’t say that’s a good idea, it’s too expensive and you cannot drive it.<\/p>\n
“Whatever we need and want, we try everything to get it but there are moments where we have to accept and step aside.”<\/p>\n
Following the Merseyside club’s goalless tie with Chelsea\u00a0and 2-2 draw with league leaders Arsenal, Klopp said his side is looking to build on the momentum as they prepare for a “big fight” against 16th-placed Leeds at Elland Road as the latter are the only team to have beaten them at Anfield in the league this season.<\/p>\n
“We have to build on two games with good moments,” said Klopp, whose side is12 points off the top four. “We have nothing to lose, we have to try new things; everything is on the table. I’m looking forward to the game. Leeds will go with all they have. It will never be an easy game.”<\/p>\n
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