..::Football III::..

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Juventus can't afford to lose to Inter, Barzagli warns

Andrea Barzagli says defeat for Juventus against Inter could prove fatal in their Serie A title defence this season.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have struggled for form in the early part of the campaign and have won just twice in the league so far, leaving them 10 points adrift of current league leaders Fiorentina.

Second-placed Inter can put an 11-point gap between themselves and Juve should they win Sunday's clash at San Siro and Barzagli believes such a deficit could be too big to make up between now and next May.

"If we want to keep even a minimal amount of hope, we need to play and get out of San Siro without a defeat," he told Sky.

"We're at the beginning of the season but to be eight points behind Inter is too much. If they get a result it'll be a problem for us.

"They are a difficult team to beat and we'll have to prepare to be at our best."

Juve won back-to-back games against Sevilla and Bologna prior to the international break but Barzagli says they must continue to work on their performance level.

"We're improving. We played two good games before the break but we still have a lot of work," added the 34-year-old.

 

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Klopp: I want to see fun in Liverpool players' eyes


Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to play with "more fun in their eyes" when they take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss will take charge of his first Premier League game against Mauricio Pochettino's side, with the visitors looking to secure only a fourth top-flight win of the season.

Klopp says he understands the pressure of the top job at Anfield but has called on his players to enjoy their football again in order to recapture their best form.

"The most important thing is to train as often and as long as it's possible to do, and not think about expectations from outside. I'm not interested in them," he said on Thursday.

"The pressure I make for myself is big enough - I don't need anyone else to tell me I have to be successful. I know that.

"If I say we have to make a restart, we have to start new. So I'm not interested in the faults of a few weeks ago, I'm only thinking about making things stable...that's what I expect, that we can see that we have worked together. I want to see more bravery, more fun in their eyes, I want to see that they like what they do."

 

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Ings injury hammer blow for Liverpool & Klopp


Jurgen Klopp has another serious injury setback to contend with after Danny Ings damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in training, Goal can confirm.

The Liverpool striker hurt his knee during Wednesday afternoon’s session and was sent to Spire Hospital for a scan which revealed the damage was serious enough for him to be ruled out for the rest of the season.

Ings was expected to be a crucial element of implementing Klopp’s idea of "emotional football" with the forward's energy and industry already applauded by supporters and new manager alike.

The injury will undoubtedly frustrate the player, who was part of Roy Hodgson's latest England squad, the fans, and the manager.

It is the second such blow in quick succession for the manager after young defender Joe Gomez picked up an ACL problem while on England Under-21 duty.

Klopp confirmed the news on the 18-year-old in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Tottenham, telling reporters: "We have to make a further diagnosis and we will see when he has surgery."

The German is already without captain Jordan Henderson as well as summer signings Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino.

On the pair, the manager said: "Benteke and Firmino are on their way. They are back on the pitch, not in team training but they are getting better and better.

"I don’t know exactly when they will come back, but I hope next week into normal team training and then we will be able to see how good a shape they are in, how fit they are and how well they feel.

"We have to wait until next week. For sure, not Saturday. And Thursday, I don’t think so. Maybe [next] Sunday."

 

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Benteke and Firmino ruled out of Tottenham clash

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino will miss his first match in charge of Liverpool against Tottenham on Saturday.

Benteke has been absent for Liverpool's last four games after suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City, while Brazil international Firmino has been sidelined with a back problem since the League Cup clash against Carlisle United on September 23.

Klopp has ruled both attackers out of the Spurs clash but expects to welcome them back to first-team training next week.

"Benteke and Firmino are back on the pitch, not team training but better and better. I don't know exactly when they will come back, but I hope to see next week them in team training. Hopefully it can go quick, and they will be ready for playing," he said on Thursday.

"For sure, not Saturday, and I don't think Thursday [against Rubin Kazan]. For next Sunday, ask me next week!"

Klopp has called for patience regarding his hopes for the remainder of the season as he aims to rebuild the confidence within the side.

"Everything is different at the moment. We want to look different, for sure," he said.

"But to get really tuned as a team, that takes time. I'm not interested in the problems we could have on Saturday. After this game we will know more.

"The biggest problem we have, I met people who say 'we can win the league, we can win the league' and the others look and think 'what have you done'.

"We want to get back trust, and confidence. More and more and more. It sometimes needs more time. A good example is the Villa game, when Milly [James Milner] scored after two minutes, and everything changed at this moment.

"You will find a way if you are patient enough, and don't think 'oh my God it is like last week, last year, whatever'. I want to get the players to trust themselves. I'm here because of them, because I can help these guys. We have to work together."

 

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Icardi: Juventus may fear me

Inter striker Mauro Icardi has suggested that Juventus may be fearful of facing him in the Derby d'Italia on Sunday.

With six career goals against the Turin side, stretching back to his time with Sampdoria, the 22-year-old averages one strike every 64 minutes.

The Argentine – who finished the 2014-15 Serie A season as the competition's joint top scorer, matching Luca Toni on 22 goals – feels that record may be cause for concern for Juve ahead of the San Siro clash.

"I have scored six goals in five games against Juventus. I don't know if they are afraid of me in Turin, but it is certainly a special match any time you play against them," Icardi told La Stampa.

"To score when you play against Juventus is an incredible feeling. I started scoring when I was a kid and I never stopped. Why would I stop now?

"We will be playing to win. Any game you lose, a bad week of training always follows.

"It can become daunting but I signed a new contract with Inter until 2019 because I want to get this club back to where it belongs: I want to win everything with this glorious club."

Juve sit 12th in Serie A with just two wins from their first seven games, a record which surprises Icardi.

"Nobody expected them to start this way, but we will see where they are come the end of the season because they can certainly come back," he said.

"After losing [Andrea] Pirlo, [Arturo] Vidal and [Carlos] Tevez, they lost the spine of their team."

Inter's last home win over Juventus was a 2-0 triumph under Jose Mourinho in September 2010.

 

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Thiago Silva's Brazil career could be over - Romario

Thiago Silva does not have the right character to represent Brazil, according to former striker Romario.

The centre-back, who was pictured separated from his team-mates and in tears during the penalty shoot-out against Chile in the last-16 at World Cup 2014, was replaced by Neymar as captain of the national team when Dunga took the helm last year.

Having been drafted back into the starting line-up for Copa America 2015, Thiago Silva conceded a penalty for handball in the quarter-final clash with Paraguay that ended in Brazil's elimination.

And Romario, who won two Copa America titles and the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, says the defender's international career is finished.

"It's over for him, the train has left the station," he said in an interview with L'Equipe.

"He demonstrated that he did not have enough personality to wear the Brazil shirt. If I was the coach I would not select him.

"I'm not questioning his quality as a footballer. I just wonder about his psychological strength. In this regard, he's failed across the board."

However, Romario suggest that the 31-year-old could work his way back into the squad if he matures.

"But he can learn from his mistakes, become more grown up, and one day play for Brazil again," he added.

 

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Neymar contract talks on hold until January

Neymar will have to wait until 2016 to start long-awaited contract talks with Barcelona, who are hoping that new commercial links with a betting company could help the club lock down the Brazilian to a new lucrative deal.

Celta striker Nolito could also move to Camp Nou in January, but the extra cash which would come from gambling giants Botemania will be vital for the Catalans to beat off reported interest from Arsenal to clinch the signature.

After signing Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal the Catalans hand over €393 million in wages annually, out of a total budget worth €539 million. This adds up to 73 percent, some three points over the Fifa ceiling.

The club therefore aim to increase their revenue by the end of 2015, with an eye to discussing the Brazilian's wages and other transfers in the new year.

They are treading on eggshells; another contravention of the regulations and subsequent penalty would be disastrous for Barcelona's plans after a year locked out of the market.

A chance exists, however, for the treble-winners to bring forward their dealings. The debate will last at least until October 25, the date of the club members' Annual Assembly.

The board controlled by Josep Maria Bartomeu will present before the socios a new offer from Qatar Airways to sponsor the club shirt, as the current deal worth 30 million euros a year concludes at the end of the season.

Another possibility to inject much-needed cash emerges in the shape of gambling giants Botemania, who are in talks to sponsor the Barcelona training kit. First contact was made last week, and negotiations have continued into the present.

Operations have gone into overdrive with the imminence of the Assembly. The income from Botemania could be worth some €30 million a year, expanding the club budget and, as a result, effective salary cap.

Neymar, meanwhile, is in no rush. The player has already been informed that renewal negotiations would only start in 2016.

 

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Koeman: I will not leave Southampton for Netherlands job

Southampton's Ronald Koeman has insisted he is not interested in taking charge of the Netherlands at this stage of his managerial career.

The former Feyenoord boss was believed to be one of the candidates to replace Louis van Gaal after the World Cup last year, but the Dutch FA (KNVB) eventually opted for Guus Hiddink instead.

Hiddink was replaced by his assistant Danny Blind in July following the Netherlands' disappointing performances in their Euro 2016 qualification campaign.

Blind's position is now also at risk after the team failed to qualify for the finals in France next year.

And while the job may become available again in the near future, Koeman has ruled himself out of contention.

"I got the exact same question about a month ago," Koeman said at a press conference when asked about the role.

"I am manager of Southampton. I enjoy being the Southampton manager and want to continue to be Southampton's manager.

"I still have a contract for one more year after this season. So there is no possibility I will leave Southampton."

Koeman, 52, took charge of Southampton ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, guiding his team to seventh place in the Premier League table last term.

 

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Tuchel eyeing victory on 'weird' return to Mainz

Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel will not go easy on former side Mainz when his side travel to the Coface Arena on Friday.

The 42-year-old led Mainz to the highest Bundesliga finish in their history in 2010-11, taking fifth position in the top flight.

Tuchel departed the club after five years in 2014 before replacing fellow ex-Mainz man Jurgen Klopp at the Signal Iduna Park ahead of this season.

However, despite his history with Mainz, the BVB boss is now keen to see his current team return to winning ways following a 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich last time out.

"It is a game that I want to win. We know Mainz very well. It is an extraordinary situation which I am looking forward to," Tuchel said in a press conference.

"The aim is to quickly find the best expression of ourselves after the international break.

"Mainz has become a second home. It was an extraordinary time - both professionally and personally.

"It is a bit weird to go back there and stay in a hotel. I have had to fulfil many requests for tickets."

Tuchel also confirmed that fullback Marcel Schmelzer is unlikely to feature on Friday as he continues his recovery from a thigh strain.

"He [Schmelzer] is doing well, but unfortunately it is not enough for tomorrow."

 

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Martinez expects Baines return in two weeks

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Leighton Baines could return to fitness in two weeks' time.

Baines has yet to play for Everton this season because of an ankle injury sustained on the eve of the new campaign.

The left-back's absence has not hindered Martinez's men, who head into Saturday's clash with Manchester United on a run of seven matches without defeat in all competitions.

And the Merseyside club could be set for a further boost, with Martinez indicating the England international may return by next month.

"With Leighton, you don't want to set a time for a comeback, because there is always the possibility he could be ahead of schedule," Martinez said on Thursday.

"But he is not very far off at all. We had a very good two weeks work and he is ready to rejoin the group. I'd say two weeks more."

 

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'Unbelievable' Lewandowski best No.9 in the world - Javi Martinez

Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez feels team-mate Robert Lewandowski is arguably the best striker in the world at the moment.

The prolific Poland international has been in stunning form this campaign, and has already netted 12 goals in just seven Bundesliga appearances so far.The 27-year-old currently leads the race for the European Golden Shoe, and Martinez sees no other striker around in the game with the same qualities.

"Lewandowski is the best striker in the world right now," the Spain international told reporters at a press conference.

"He really is unbelievable. But that hasn't just started. He was already superb while he was still with Borussia Dortmund and in his first season at Bayern as well."He scores a lot of goals at the moment and is incredibly important for Bayern. He does not only score a lot of goals, but always helps the team defensively as well."

David Alaba, meanwhile, is equally impressed by Lewandowski's superb performances, and has backed the striker to break the legendary Gerd Muller's record of 40 Bundesliga goals in one season."Of course, 40 goals is a big mark," the Austrian concluded."But everything is possible with Lewandowski."

The striker will have the chance to add to his already-impressive tally when die Roten travel to face Werder Bremen on Saturday.

 

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Alexis Sanchez better than last season - Wenger


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has taken the time to praise Alexis Sanchez and believes the Chile international is even better than in his first season at the club.

The 26-year-old joined Arsenal from Barcelona in July 2014 and netted 25 goals in all competitions last term.

Sanchez endured a slow start to this season but has since scored five times in his last two Premier League outings and Wenger has hailed his sublime form.

"He has had a bit of a difficult start because he came back late [from the Copa America] and you could see that," Wenger told the official Arsenal website.

"But now he is back to his level and even better than before.

"His overall game and finishing, contributing and assists is excellent. He works hard for the team and he finishes. His enthusiasm is contagious.

"He always gives you hope that he is going to do something and he always gets defenders on the back foot, provokes and that is top class."

 

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Klopp has the tools to succeed at Liverpool - Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has backed Jurgen Klopp to succeed at Liverpool ahead of their Premier League encounter on Saturday.

Liverpool have appointed Klopp as the new man in charge at Anfield after parting company with Brendan Rodgers this month following some underwhelming performances early in the campaign.Klopp previously enjoyed seven successful years with Borussia Dortmund and Pochettino has little doubt he will do well in England, too.

"I think it is very good for the Premier League that he has come here. He impressed us when he was at Borussia Dortmund and we wish him all the best - after Saturday," Pochettino told a press conference.

"He is a great manager and has clear ideas. When you look at the games of Borussia Dortmund you understand that he is a manager who has clear ideas about how he wants to play.

"It is always the same for us [foreign managers]. We have to convince the players and make them believe in your philosophy and in your ideas, that is the first important thing. And then you need to know the culture, a different mentality and style of football.

"But when you are a manager like Klopp and you have the capacity to manage and can lead a team to the final of the Champions League, I think that you have the skill to adapt your ideas to the new culture and the new football."

Pochettino drew parallels between the challenge facing the German on Merseyside and his own brief in bringing success to White Hart Lane.

"It's impossible to put all your ideas and your philosophy in the minds of the team in just a few days, but you always try to change something. It's not easy, though, because you need to introduce some ideas and start giving the players the tools to start playing the way you want to play," he said.

"I don't know whether Liverpool can win the title under Klopp. I think that is a question from some other people, not for me. I believe that he knows he is at a big club and Liverpool have a lot of expectations."Like us at Tottenham. I think it's the same pressure and in a few years maybe we need to win some titles too."

 

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Ibrahimovic: I am like wine, I improve with age

Paris Saint-Germain talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic has compared himself to a fine wine, and believes he will only continue getting better as he ages.

The Swede became les Parisiens' all-time highest-scoring player earlier in October, scoring twice against Marseille in Le Classique to take his goal tally for the club to 110 in just 137 games in all competitions.

And despite now being 34 and with his contract at Parc des Princes set to expire at the end of the season, Ibrahimovic still feels he has plenty to offer as he matures, even though he has been linked with a move away from Paris.

"I still think I am making progress, even though I am getting older," he told PSG's official website. "I am like wine, I improve with age. I do not feel on the decline - quite the opposite.

"I think I'm stronger mentally. I still have a great hunger that will allow me to fulfil my goals. I am very pleased with what I have done - and still do today - since I came here."I just need to stay focused, healthy, fresh physically and continue to do what I can do. Nothing will stop me here. I broke down all the walls to fulfil my objectives."

Ibrahimovic will have the chance to extend his scoring record when Laurent Blanc's Ligue 1-leading PSG travel to face Bastia on Saturday.

 

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Mourinho: FA punishment a 'disgrace'... but at least I'm not tagged!


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has brandished the possibility of him being banned from a stadium by the Football Association as "astonishing".

The former Real Madrid boss was fined £50,000 and given a suspended stadium ban after criticising the officials during his side's 3-1 defeat to Southampton.

And at the launch of his new book, Mourinho, the Blues boss has hit out at the English governing body.

"I'm happy that I don't have an electronic tag!" he told reporters.

"I understand you are a critic, I do not understand your reaction to the FA and myself, every word I say is a big risk of me.

"£50,000 is a disgrace. The possibility of getting a stadium ban is astonishing."

The sentence had been handed down after the Portuguese accused match official Robert Madley of being "afraid" for waving away several Chelsea penalty appeals against the visiting Saints at the start of October.

Continuing to speak at his book launch, Mourinho elaborated that he felt he was the victim of double standards after seeing Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger escape punishment for similar comments made about Mike Dean after their loss to Chelsea in September.

Mourinho claimed Wenger described Dean as "weak and naive" but received no sanction, while also pointing out the FA took no action against the Frenchman for pushing him during their touchline altercation in their teams' clash in October 2014.

"When I compare different people, different behaviours, with similar words, the difference between 'afraid' and 'weak and naive' is £10,000 and one-match stadium ban," Mourinho blasted.

"Premier League managers have difficulties with the press, we have to do press when [we] would prefer not to."We now know we can push people, to say the referee is 'weak and naive' we can do it.

"Every manager in this country knows 'afraid' costs £50,000 but 'weak and naive', we can do it."

The former Inter and Real Madrid coach has admitted to the current period being the most difficult one he has experienced in his career, with English champions Chelsea currently languishing 16th in the Premier League - 10 points behind leaders Manchester City.

 

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Arsenal should have bid £70 million for Benzema, says Merson

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has criticised Arsene Wenger's refusal to spend big and believes the Frenchman should have launched a big-money bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The Premier League side were linked with the 27-year-old throughout the transfer window, but a move never materialised, with the France international later confirming he would be remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Wenger's inability to sign Benzema left Arsenal with Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott as their only options up front - with Danny Welbeck is sidelined through injury - and Merson has questioned the manager's ambition.

"Why have Arsenal only signed a goalkeeper [Petr Cech] after they finished that many points behind Chelsea last season? They should have gone for Benzema," Merson was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.

"Wenger in the summer compared Olivier Giroud to Benzema, but the Real man would get more goals. Wenger should have put in a bid for £70million. If he didn't want to come then so be it, but at least Wenger could have shown his ambition to the fans.

"Wenger sees what players are worth and doesn't want to pay more, but modern football is clubs demanding more than a player is worth. You don't get players for cheap anymore. Arsenal should have spent in the summer.

"If one of the strikers gets injured, they're in trouble. Arsenal will not win the league with Theo Walcott up front as the main focal point. They need a bigger focal point."

 

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Chelsea could be top by February - Amelia

New Chelsea goalkeeper Marco Amelia claims the champions will be near the top of the Premier League table by February.

Jose Mourinho's side have failed to get their title defence off to a convincing start and occupy 16th position following two wins from their first eight games.

As a result, Chelsea are 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester City, but the 33-year-old shot-stopper - who completed a free transfer to Stamford Bridge last week - has no doubt they can still mount a challenge to retain their crown.

"I hope to win. I want to win. I'm a winner. I've won [titles] at all the teams I've played for in my career," Amelia told Chelsea TV.

"Now it is a strange situation for Chelsea but I think we can do better.

"And Chelsea, in January or February, will be with the top team of the season."

Chelsea will aim to get their season back on track with a win when they host Aston Villa on Saturday.

 

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Cole backs Martial to star at Manchester United

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has praised Anthony Martial following his impressive start to life at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old completed a big-money move from Monaco on transfer deadline day and has since scored four goals in his first seven matches for the Old Trafford club.

And Cole, who was part of United's treble-winning side of the 1998-99 season, believes the Frenchman has the ability to become a key figure under Louis van Gaal.

"I like him. I've got to be honest, I didn't know a lot about him before he came to United," he told MUTV.

"I watched him play against Arsenal last season but the way he has come in, he's made a great impression.

"He's got good feet and great pace. In the modern game, it's important to have great pace and he's got that in abundance.

"He looks a great player and has got off to a great start. It looks like he's got the right temperament as well.
Martial's transfer raised some eyebrows at Old Trafford, but Cole praised the youngster's well-rounded play.

"He uses his body very well. He only looks like a slight chap but he gets hold of the ball, he's got good feet and he is prepared to run at people and take them on," he said.

"He got his debut goal and we know he's got quality there. Long may it continue for the boy.

"We know football has peaks and troughs and ups and downs but he seems very level-headed.

"He has come in and he's settled really well so it looks like he will do well for Manchester United."

 

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Mourinho: I do not regret Chelsea return


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted he has no regrets over his decision to return to Stamford Bridge in 2013.

The 52-year-old enjoyed a successful spell in charge of the club between 2004 and 2007, going on to coach Inter and Real Madrid, before returning to west London ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

He guided the Blues to Premier League and League Cup glory last term, but his position has come under fire this season after a string of disappointing results.

Nevertheless, he does not regret returning to Stamford Bridge and is confident he can turn things around.

"I do not regret going back to Chelsea. I returned and won the league," Mourinho said at the launch of his new book.

"It was the end of a super squad. Frank Lampard represented a super generation and to win the league without Frank was a huge success.

"That generation is finished, but we want to achieve more.

"I am not going to run away. I believe more good moments are going to happen. I will work and fight and wait for the results."

Mourinho has received his fair share of criticism in recent months, but he feels his career speaks for itself and has little doubt he will win plenty more silverware in the years to come, to build on the eight league titles and two Champions League trophies he has won so far.

"If only today matters, I am close to being the worst manager rather than the best. But if the criteria are career and a comparison of achievements, it's easy to know where I am. If the criteria are the last six months, I was champion in the most difficult league in the world.

"I will win more than 10 league titles in my career."

 

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Sturridge and Origi are the only strikers I need - Klopp

New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has backed Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi to step up amidst the club's growing shortage of strikers.

Liverpool lost Danny Ings to a season-ending knee injury earlier this week, leaving Klopp to cope with Sturridge and Origi - the latter who has yet to earn a regular place in the first team of the Merseyside giants - as the club's only available forwards.And despite Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke also being absent for Klopp's first match in charge away to Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday, the new Reds' boss is refusing to panic and instead placing faith on his remaining duo.

"We have Origi - do you know him?" the former Borussia Dortmund coach began to reporters. In this moment - for the next game - we have Daniel for the position and we have Origi. Two strikers, I don't need more."

"I learned first - you do not think about the players who are not available at this moment because there is no chance of you getting lucky if you do this all of the time. In the case of Benteke and Firmino, they are back on the pitch but not training with the team.

"I hope they will be in normal team training next week."In a painful week for Liverpool, the club also lost promising young full-back Joe Gomez to a torn anterior cruciate ligament - the same injury suffered by Ings.

Despite the blow, Klopp, boasting a track record of bringing through numerous youngsters to become first-team stars during his time at Borussia Dortmund, sent a reassuring message for the 18-year-old defender.

"I'm pretty good in waiting for players, young players especially," the 48-year-old concluded. "This is his home and we will do anything to make sure he comes back as soon as possible."