Klopp believes it is “no secret” Liverpool need further signings this summer to address their lack of a proven defensive midfielder.
The Reds on Monday confirmed the departure of Fabinho to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a £40million deal
Klopp has only 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic – currently regaining full fitness after more than four months out through injury – as a recognised option in the number six role.
Klopp accepts he may have to find a short-term solution from within his current squad.
Klopp
"It's no secret that we're still looking for new players to join us,”
"That's one thing but the other thing is using what you have."
"A proven number six is not available in this moment. Do we make excuses? No, then we would have a problem.
"Over a season a lot of things can happen. If have to see it as a possible challenge and try to find a way to be compact anyway and deny the opponent.”
Jones is in line to feature again in defensive midfield for Wednesday’s friendly against Bayern Munich here in Singapore, and Klopp said:
“Curtis can absolutely play that position. In this actual set-up and how the squad looks, he's one of the options definitely.
“Can he play it when no-one else in the team is defending? No, no chance. I don't know any player who could play it then.
“There's no doubt that in possession Curtis can have a massive impact from that position. His development in the last months is really remarkable. He was held back by a bad injury last season. Before that he had already made big steps.
“The Euros for sure gave him confidence. Having him on the pitch makes sense in that position.”
Comments