Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp insists striker Danny Ings is not on the list of players the club are willing to sell in this transfer window.
In terms of recruitment, the German has some-what had a successful summer, bringing in several key players to strengthen his squad ahead of his first full season in charge at Anfield. However, part of his rebuilding job at Liverpool also includes selling players. More than a few names have already left the club and with the transfer window still open until the end of the month, the Reds are still expected to let go of a few more – the biggest of which are strike pair Mario Balotelli and Christian Benteke.
Holding a press conference at Melwood on Friday, Klopp confirmed that these will not include Ings.
“It’s not the same situation as the other two (Balotelli and Benteke),” Klopp said, according to the Liverpool Echo.
“We’re counting on Ingsy.”
Ings has been unfortunate to not have a chance to prove himself under the former Borussia Dortmund coach. The Englishman suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in only his manager’s first training session after taking over from Brendan Rodgers in October. The injury saw him miss most of the 2015/16 season, only making his first appearance under Klopp in Liverpool’s last league game of the season.
The former Burnley forward has since managed a first full pre-season with the Reds and Klopp says although it wasn’t a smooth journey for his striker, he’s only gotten better ahead of the new season.
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“Ingsy is a fantastic boy,” Klopp added.
“He was injured since October last year and he needed time. That’s how it is.
“Now he’s getting better and better. He know himself that in the first two or three weeks of pre-season even though he scored in the games it was too intense for him.
“In those first three or four weeks we had to rest him a few times. It wasn’t a real reaction of the knee but it was about feeling comfortable.
“Everyone was afraid that something could happen if his muscles were too tired. But now he’s in a really good way.”
Ings will be pleased to work under a manager with the wisdom to help players like him overcome their injuries and continue developing in their individual careers. The Englishman will now be looking forward to launching his career under Klopp and grow his reputation amongst the Anfield faithful.
As ever, that can’t be said without mentioning the fact that he faces competition, with fellow teammates Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino all vying for a place up front. However, with the right mentality and a boss who believes in his ability backing him, Ings can certainly justify his potential at Anfield this season.