Twentytwo13

‘Messi would never be a Klopp signing’

Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Jurgen Klopp would not have signed Lionel Messi, even if he had the chance during the Argentine’s heyday.

The former England international, who was in Malaysia earlier this month, said Klopp only signs players that can fit his system.

“Liverpool’s signings for the last couple of years have been brilliant. Klopp has a way of playing, and he buys players who can fit that system,” said Barnes, who made 314 appearances for the Reds.

“He does not necessarily look for the best players in the world, but someone right for the club and a player that can fit his system.

“For example, Lionel Messi in his heyday. I do not think Klopp would have bought him, not because Messi was not the best player in the world, but because he does not fit Klopp’s system.”

Barnes said Pep Guardiola at Manchester City does the same thing, although both managers have gone against type by signing traditional No. 9s this season.

Klopp bought Darwin Nunez from Benfica, while Erling Haaland moved to City.

Barnes, however, said both managers would not change their styles too much to accommodate the forwards.

He said Klopp and the man who built Liverpool, Bill Shankly, have plenty in common.

“Shankly and Klopp believe the individual players are not as important as the team.

“That is why the superstars in this team – (Mohamed) Salah and Virgil van Dijk do not see themselves differently from the people on the bench,” said Barnes, who won two league titles at Liverpool.

“Liverpool is the club it is because it is not about the individual superstars. It is not about Salah. It is about the team.

“All the players have to be respectful of the team, the fans, and the history of Liverpool. That was what I felt when I played.

“(Kenny) Dalglish and (Ian) Rush never saw themselves differently from their teammates.

“The fans may put them ahead of Sammy Lee and Jimmy Case, or Salah ahead of someone else, but the players do not do so.”

Barnes believes this ‘team ethos’ is what makes players like Jordan Henderson shine.

Many had written off Henderson, before Klopp came to the club nearly seven years ago, but Barnes said that was because fans were comparing him to Steven Gerrard.

“The biggest example of how the team comes first is Henderson. When he played with Gerrard, many thought he was a terrible player and was not good enough for Liverpool. Because, at that time, it was all about Gerrard,” said Barnes, who also won one FA Cup and one League, during his stay at Anfield.

“But now, fans appreciate Henderson, even though he is not a better player than he was back then.

“Individually, Henderson is not as good a player as Gerrard, but he has won the Champions League, the Premier League and everything else, because he is part of the team.”

Asked about Liverpool’s need for new midfielders, Barnes said it would be easier for the Reds to find replacements than Manchester City.

“Because of the way Liverpool plays, it needs midfielders like Henderson. They do not have to be the best technical players, but they must have a good attitude, good energy, and work hard,” said Barnes, who was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

“Our front three has to be special, while our midfield has to be hardworking.

“Manchester City midfielders have to be technical. They cost more money, and are harder to find.”

On Klopp’s future – he signed an extension until 2026 – Barnes said it was a question of hunger and determination.

“I am not sure if he would carry on for 15 years or more. He lasted seven years at Mainz and Dortmund, as Klopp is an intense guy,” said Barnes, who earned 79 caps for England.

“It is a question as to whether he retains that hunger, determination, and desire. As long as he does, the players he brings in will be the same.

“The good thing about Klopp is that he now has many different people working with him. That is the difference between Klopp now, and Klopp at Dortmund.

“He used to do more, but now he delegates to the coaches. It is good, as the players do not hear only one voice all the time.”