Philippe Coutinho is “100 per cent with Liverpool” after being welcomed back into the squad, Jurgen Klopp says.
Coutinho heads to Newcastle on Super Sunday having scored in back-to-back games – his first goals since Liverpool blocked a move to Barcelona.
The Brazil star this week said he had consigned his summer flirtation with Barca to the past and promised to give “the maximum” in a Reds shirt.
“It’s just good to have him here,” Klopp said. “I don’t think we have to talk about who handled which situation what way – at the end we are professionals and we take it like it is.
“He’s obviously in a really good shape. That’s good for us and the only thing that’s important.
“The team was really happy when he was back, no discussions about why and what. That’s professional football, we’re not non-league anymore.
“There are offers for different players, sometimes people think about it and sometimes not. That’s absolutely normal.
“But being 100 per cent with where you are when decisions have been made – that’s the only way life works, and football is no different. He is here with us 100 per cent and that’s really cool.”
Klopp this weekend goes up against Rafa Benitez, still revered at Anfield after leading the club to a fifth European title in 2005.
“I know him better than most other colleagues in the Premier League,” the German said. “We’ve met 10-15 times and it was always really nice. He’s a very interesting person.
“I know he’s still connected to the club, and not only because he lives round here. He wishes the club the best, and that’s how it should be after this fantastic time.”
Liverpool ended a run of four games without a win at Leicester last weekend only for their problem converting chances to resurface at Spartak Moscow, where Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah were among those guilty during a 1-1 Champions League draw.
Klopp said: “It makes no sense to criticise finishing. It’s about creating and using the qualities of the boys in the right moment. We talk about how we can create more.
“It’s still my responsibility, but I cannot shoot from the bench. To help them get into those positions – yes, that’s my job.”
Source: Skysports
