Klopp was tight-lipped when asked about James Milner’s future prior to Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest last weekend.
It is reported that Klopp would like his vice-captain to stay put. Whether such a request is granted, remains to be seen.
Jürgen Klopp:
No,” Klopp replied sharply when asked if there was any update on Milner’s future last week. “Until we have something to say, I’d have thought (that is when there will be an update). Whenever that will be.”
The Athletic report that Brighton & Hove Albion are preparing a move for the 37-year-old
as Klopp would insist back at the start of the year, his vice-captain is much more than just a veteran.
Klopp:
We have different plans for Milly, but Milly wants to keep playing," the German said. "And when you see him play the other night (against Wolves), I think everyone understands that. You can’t judge him because of his age or whatever.
"He is 37, but doesn’t look a day like this. When he is in training, he is there, full throttle. He is an incredibly important player and you saw this on the pitch as well. It is not that Milly expects to play 64 games a season, but in 64 games a season Milly could be incredibly important.
"That is how it is. I think Milly has reached 600 games in his career, right? And I think most of them are for Liverpool if I am right, probably. So even a player who had a few clubs can end up at his club and I can consider Liverpool his club.
"I am pretty sure the club should use his character and mindset and it was really special. There might be more fancy players out there, but no one with a similar mindset and that makes him incredibly important to us. And it's not because I am too loyal! It's just a fact.
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