Jurgen Klopp took a swipe at Chelsea’s transfer business on Sunday as the big-spending club look set to beat Liverpool to the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo to continue a huge outlay under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
The sides played out an entertaining draw at Stamford Bridge but it is Chelsea winning in the transfer market, with Mauricio Pochettino saying he wants more players through the door to complete his team and Caicedo top of his shopping list.
Klopp took a dig at Boehly’s spending in reference to Pochettino’s comments on wanting new signings.
‘That’s what each Chelsea manager wants, hijack and usually they get it,’ said the Liverpool manager, who added there was ‘no news at all’ in the Caicedo saga.
The Reds are said to feel let down and perhaps used by the Ecuadorian midfielder after Liverpool agreed a £111million fee with Brighton for him on Thursday night – but Caicedo later communicated he only wanted to join Chelsea.
Both teams’ need for a defensive midfielder was evident in the first half here as each side created a number of chances – but Pochettino will be the happier of the two managers.
‘In the beginning it was difficult, Liverpool were full of energy and we made some mistakes,’ he said.
‘But after we got lucky with the second goal, the team reacted very well and we dominated. We conceded just one shot on target against a team like Liverpool so we have to be pleased, but it is the beginning and that is the minimum standard.When the game went on I was pleased because after six weeks of working together we are happy to see this performance against Liverpool. It gives us the belief to keep going and working. It is only the start.’
Klopp added: ‘The start was pretty convincing. We sure looked like we didn’t meet in the car park! Then we opened up the door for Chelsea. We fought really hard, it was super-intense for both teams. It’s a point at Chelsea… fine.
‘Second half with the crowd, we had to dig really deep and fight hard. In the end we got a point and that’s ok.
‘I saw a lot of things I liked and some things I didn’t like. We have a point and we keep working.’
