Singapore (AFP)
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has backed a big-money deal for Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunes from Benfica.
Klopp, who is currently in Singapore with the Reds for their pre-season tour, which starts in a friendly against Crystal Palace on Friday, was told of his previous comments in 2018 when he said he did not want to spend £100m. on a player.
Fans had earlier jeered the German coach after his club agreed a huge deal with Benfica to sign Nunez for £85m with bonuses.
However, Klopp scoffed at the question, saying the transfer market had changed since he made the comment.
“If you want to sign a fantastic striker like Darwin, this is the market and you have to pay the price,” Klopp said.
He added, “I’ve said many things in my life that caught my eye and showed me how quickly life can change.”
Nunez was criticized on social media after his lackluster performance in his first game for Liverpool in a 4-0 defeat by Manchester United in Bangkok on Tuesday.
Klopp felt the criticism against his new player was unfair, voicing his support for the Uruguayan to do well for England and Europe’s runners-up.
“The only important thing is how I solve the situation, I can’t be calm or fully trust his ability,” the German coach added.
Klopp played down the significance of the big defeat against arch-rivals United, insisting that “his focus was not on results but on preparing his players for the start of the new season”.
And he added: “Would I like a 4-0 defeat to Man United?” Of course, but we cannot judge pre-season based on best performance in matches.
The German felt that the early matches his team will play are important, “but the most important matches are in two weeks, where we have to be ready.”