Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will replace Philippe Coutinho this summer as he vows to strengthen squad even if they win Champions League final

Jurgen Klopp has vowed to bolster his ranks at Liverpool this summer and highlighted his midfield options as an area where more depth is required.

The Reds boss pointed to Adam Lallana's injury-plagued season as a reason for summer additions, as well as the January departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

© REUTERS/Andrew Yates Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during the press conference

'You need additions because in the squad, actually, we need more quality,' Klopp said in an interview with Robbie Fowler for The Mirror. 'That is not to get rid of players but you have to mix it up a little bit.

'What do we do? We brought in Naby Keita already, an outstanding player. We will bring in a couple more players, that will happen. But we had the quality of players already to finish the season higher.

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited Klopp suggested midfield options could be improved after Phil Coutinho left in January

'Think about the season we played without Adam Lallana and half a season without Philippe Coutinho. Two of the best players in whole Premier League. They didn't play on the pitch for us.

'Can you imagine Phil Coutinho still in the team? And we play with the three up front (Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah) and Phil at No 8 - that would have been nice.'

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited Adam Lallana has been injured most of the season but is now back with the Liverpool squad

Emre Can and Lallana are training with the first-team squad but Can haven't featured since March 17 due to a back problem. Lallana, meanwhile, made his first appearance on May 13 against Brighton after six weeks out with a hamstring injury.


'Adam, Emre Can, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, the last few weeks, having them around would be a big plus and them in the final would be a big plus,' Klopp said.

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited Midfielder Naby Keita is already joining Liverpool from Red Bull Leipzig this summer

'So to come here without them shows the character in the team and that is the basis for all. Character and mentality, we have it and it makes all the difference.'