Jurgen Klopp rubbishes Paul Ince suggestion that Liverpool should move for Gareth Bale

Follow us on Google Discover

The Reds legend suggested that Bale, out of favour at Real Madrid, would be a “perfect” fit at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has poured cold water on Paul Ince’s suggestion that the Premier League side should make a move for Gareth Bale (Sky Sports News).

Despite winning four Champions League titles at Real Madrid, the Wales international Bale does not appear to be in Zinedine Zidane’s plans, the Frenchman saying it would be “best for everyone” if Bale left.

Ince, a Liverpool legend who formerly captained the Reds, told BBC Sport earlier this week that Bale would be “a perfect fit” for the Anfield club, adding: “Liverpool’s front three haven’t had much rest before the season – Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have played all over the summer.”

In response, Klopp told his pre-match press conference ahead of the Sporting Lisbon game, as quoted by Sky Sports News: “These fantastic football players have some strange ideas. I respect them all so much, but they probably only say these things because somebody asked them.

“Bale is a Real Madrid player and if he leaves it will be outstandingly expensive and big wages. He is an outstanding player, I like him a lot but it is not about him. You have to create a team. A team is not a collection of the best individual players, they have to work together.”

Klopp has also rubbished suggestions that Liverpool would seek to bring Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield, praising the Brazilian but stressing that he would be a particularly big-money signing and “it’s not our year for that” (Sky Sports News), suggesting he seeks to prioritise maintaining sensible growth of the team as opposed to making marquee signings.

Liverpool ended their US pre-season tour with a 2-2 draw against Sporting Lisbon at the Yankee Stadium, with two more fixtures before the month is out – against Napoli and Lyon – before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield on 4 August, opening their Premier League campaign against Norwich City and then locking horns with Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup.