Liverpool unlikely to replace Matip in January – Klopp،
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are unlikely to sign another defender in January to replace Joel Matip after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their 4-3 win over Fulham last weekend.
Klopp has often favored the 32-year-old as Virgil van Dijk's partner in the middle of Liverpool's defence.
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Despite his importance to the team, the Liverpool boss said it won't be easy to replace Matip in the January transfer window as they don't live in a 'wonderland'.
“In eight years here, I never understood this. You always talk about transfers like it's the simplest thing in the world,” Klopp told reporters at a press conference on Friday.
“Just bring in a player, find the money for it, like we have endless money. I really don't understand. Everyone, you, the fans, everyone talks about it.
“They all cost money. It has to be the right player. Tell me a club that wants to sell an excellent central defender who could play for Liverpool?
Why should we start this process? We've only known for a few days that Joel will be out for a long time, which is really bad for us. We still have four central defenders, which is totally good.
“If we had already had a fifth before this, the team dynamic would have been completely different. He would not have been involved and we would not have seen any measures with him or him.
“It was perfect. Is it perfect now? I would say as long as we can continue with these four, then yes. Otherwise it will be a little trickier with the number of games coming.
“It was never a wonderland where you bring in one world-class centre-back until the other one is fit again. Other clubs don't put them under the Christmas tree for us and say, 'Take it and use it for as long as you need.' he.'
“I didn’t really think about it. [buying a centre-back in January]. I don’t think so to be honest.”
Ibrahima Konaté started alongside Van Dijk in their 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday, while Joe Gomez has also played there in the past.
Matip's contract with Liverpool also ends at the end of the season, meaning he may have played his last game for the club depending on his recovery time.
But Klopp said there could be a possibility of a contract extension for Matip.
“I would say it but it's not my decision. I can't sign the papers,” Klopp said.
“I'm pretty sure the club will show its class. We have to make decisions together with Joel. He deserves all the support and he will get it.”
