Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists he is not concerned about the financial power that Newcastle United now possess, following the recent takeover by the Saudi-back Public Investment Fund.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Watford, Klopp talked of his confusion around the financial systems in place in football.
He said: “Not long ago, we had the issue of 12 teams across Europe coming together to form a Super League, which is obviously wrong.
“But now we have a team capable of building a super team.”
Despite the obvious potential of the takeover, the Reds’ manager believes it won’t all be plain sailing for the Magpies.
He said: “Good decisions are far more important than money.
“Newcastle are not yet safe in the league, which will be their first concern.”
The 19-time league champions face Watford tomorrow (Oct 16), with the Hornets recently replacing manager Xisco Munoz with Leicester City title winner Claudio Ranieri, a manager who Klopp says he has a lot of respect for.
He said: “I find it harsh how they handle managers, but I have no problem with Claudio – I like him.
“Last week he said ‘we have to close the spaces’.
“We spent more time analysing his team at Sampdoria, but we believe he will probably play a 4-4-2.
“When I joined Liverpool six years ago I started with stability, so that is what I expect from Watford.”
In team news, Klopp confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota will be available for the lunch-time kick off at Vicarage Road, but Thiago remains a doubt.
Brazilian duo Fabinho and Alisson will miss the game due to quarantine rules, with the pair flying straight to Madrid in preparation for a Champions League tie against Atletico on Tuesday.
Klopp reiterates more should be done for player welfare.
He said: “I’m not frustrated, we have known about this and have tried to come up with a solution.
“Someone made the decision to make Brazil play last night and someone made the decision for us to play at 12:30pm on Saturday.”
Joe Gomez has struggled for league minutes this season, but Klopp says he is happy with his defender.
He said: “Last year taught us that we need four centre halves in the squad in case of injury, but now they are all fit it leaves some out of the team.
“He [Gomez] is in top shape. He knows the time will come for him.”
