After mentioning Danny Ings‘ name alongside those of Mario Balotelli and Christian Benteke when discussing his striker options, Jurgen Klopp has clarified Ings’ future at Liverpool.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Arsenal on Sunday, Klopp had listed Ings alongside the two forwards who are available this summer.
“Christian Benteke, Mario Balotelli, all the other strikers, Danny Ings, they’re really, really goos strikers,” said Klopp.
In the end having six strikers is a little too comfortable. But it’s still possible.”
This led to questions on whether Klopp saw a future for Ings at Anfield, or whether he was available in the same away Balotelli and Benteke are.
Speaking to reporters after the press conference, Klopp clarified: “We’re counting on Ingsy. He is a fantastic boy.
“He was injured since October last year and he needed time. That’s how it is.
“Now he’s getting better and better. He knows 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.
“You couldn’t change it. You couldn’t say ‘come on, today, three steps and then tomorrow, four.’ You have to adapt to the next level.
“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 is set to start the season as fourth choice striker, behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino.
Meanwhile, Klopp insists Liverpool won’t be giving any “presents” to other clubs, with regards Balotelli and Benteke.
“If anybody thinks because we have more than one striker we’ll give presents to clubs, that’s the biggest understanding in fooball,” he warned.
“Until August 31 I can change my mind if I want, I’m not the type of guy for this, but I could. We’ll wait to see what happens.”
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