LIVERPOOL – Manager Jurgen Klopp said any potential change in Liverpool’s ownership will not affect his commitment to the club and downplayed talk of a sale after owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) announced on Monday they would consider new shareholders.
FSG, who completed the takeover of Liverpool for £300 million (S$485 million) in 2010, responded to reports of a sale by saying they would explore the option of bringing in investors if it was in Liverpool’s “best interest”.
“Whatever happens, I really like how we work together with our owners but, if that would change, I’m committed to the club, obviously,” Klopp said on Wednesday after Liverpool beat Derby County 3-2 on penalties in the League Cup third round.
“As far as I know, they are looking for investors and I thought that makes sense.”
In May, Russian Roman Abramovich completed the sale of Chelsea to an investment group but Klopp said the circumstances were different.
“They (FSG) are looking for investors. The situation is completely different: Chelsea had to get sold because their owner was in trouble,” the former Borussia Dortmund coach said.
Turning his attention to the pitch, the 55-year-old was pleased with the stellar display from Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Reds, who won the 2021 League Cup by beating Chelsea on penalties, were held to a goal-less draw at Anfield by the League One side and once again Kelleher was their hero, saving three spot-kicks as his side progressed to the next round.
In Kelleher’s eight appearances in the competition, Liverpool have won all four that have gone to a penalty shoot-out – with the 23-year-old saving a club-record six spot-kicks.
Asked about Kelleher’s feat, Klopp said: “In history? Wow. They were really good penalties. They were all going into the corner, it’s not like there was a bad one.”
“He is absolutely exceptional. He’s a modern goalie. As calm as you like. He can play football and, on top of that, he can keep the ball out of the net. I am over the moon for him.”
It was also a good outing for Manchester City, who navigated through a tough third-round tie against Chelsea with a 2-0 victory following second-half goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
Manager Pep Guardiola singled out Jack Grealish for praise, saying he was delighted with the England international’s desire to drive forward with the ball as he orchestrated the English Premier League champions’ attacks in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden.
“We spoke many times with him, the first intention is go to score a goal,” said Guardiola, who has overseen four League Cup triumphs as City manager.
“He’s not a real threat for the back four because he’s going to pass the ball, but today his body language is ‘I’m going to score a goal’. Then after, shoot or pass.
“Today, there were three or four times when he did it... he didn’t score, but with the chances, he will do it.”
Defeat for Chelsea means Graham Potter’s side have won only twice in their past seven games in all competitions.
Potter said: “Our performances haven’t been what we wanted in the last couple of games. But today... there were quite a few positives – it was a step forward for us.” REUTERS
