With confirmation of Philippe Coutinho's long-awaited transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona, his former manager Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the £142 million deal.
Although the German had never been keen to see Coutinho depart the club, he has conceded that Barcelona was Coutinho's dream, and "there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind."
As they now seek to consolidate their good start to the season without what many feel was Liverpool's most talented individual, Klopp has tried to hide his disappointment.
Stating that Coutinho "was insistent with me, the owners and even his teammates this was a move he was desperate to make happen," Klopp didn't believe that they should lose their talisman without a fight:
I can tell the Liverpool supporters that we, as a club, have done everything within our means to convince Philippe that remaining part of LFC was as attractive as moving to Spain, but he is 100 per cent certain his future – and that of his family – belongs at Barcelona. It is his dream and I am now convinced there is nothing left at our disposal to change his mind.
Keen to praise the attitude of a player whose head was certainly turned once Barcelona announced their interest in the summer, that Coutinho went on to hand in a transfer request did not leave Klopp questioning his commitment over the last number of months:
Philippe has made a fantastic contribution to this club over his five years of service and as disappointed as we are he doesn’t want to extend that, the relationship we have for him means with a heavy heart we wish him well.
The player remained dedicated and committed to helping us win matches, producing good performances and training hard each day at Melwood after the summer window had closed, despite failing to convince us to allow him to leave during that period and that level of professionalism reflects positively on him.
Consoling the saddened Liverpool supporters, Klopp nonetheless had a positive message to share with those who may be worried what negative impact Coutinho's departure may have:
I have been here long enough now to know in the history of Liverpool, key players have left before – but the club always goes on. You cannot transfer the heart and soul of Liverpool Football Club, although I am sure there are many clubs who would like to buy it.
A classy response to a difficult situation for the Liverpool boss, it would seem that the message now is onward and upward.
Certain fans are certainly happy to follow Klopp on this journey.
Excellent statement from Klopp. Makes a lot easier to accept. Firmly believe this club is going places under Klopp. Up the fucking Reds.
— Andrew LFCDT (@AYPrivateEye) January 6, 2018
Hard to se him go (Coutinho) but if there is anyone that can find the perfect replacement then it is Klopp!
— Gummi (@GummiFIFA) January 6, 2018
