Coutinho doesn't affect Klopp's mind

15 August 2017: Jurgen Klopp thinks only of Liverpool’s available players for the upcoming games, revealing on Monday that Coutinho’s issue doesn’t affect him.

“ I work with the players I have. I don't think about the players I don't have. I really understand people's interest in this. But I can't say that, in this moment, I am really thinking about it. I wasn't in the car thinking about 'what can I say if they ask about this'?” Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, told reporters during a press conference ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off against German team Hoffenheim.

Klopp added, “Nothing has changed on one side or the other side; he's not available for us at the moment. That's the main issue. He cannot play for Liverpool in this moment. Everyone can imagine this is a blow for us.”

Liverpool faces Hoffenheim on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League play-off.

Klopp spoke about Liverpool’s missing players, saying, “We have to prepare for this game without him, like we have to prepare for it without Adam Lallana or Daniel Sturridge.”

Philippe Couthinho handed a request to join Barcelona to Liverpool’s board, who refused the player’s request, and since then, he has been away from the games.