Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool would have benefited from early transfer window closure'

Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Liverpool would have benefited from the transfer window shutting before the new season started.

The Reds currently find themselves in the middle of a transfer saga involving Philippe Coutinho, who is wanted by Barcelona.

Coutinho has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to speed up the move, while Barca are now thought to be preparing a final offer worth £137m.

Klopp is quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying: "It would have helped us this year [if the window shut when the season started]. There is a phenomenon and then people go looking for solutions. It makes sense that when the season is starting, planning for the team is over.

"But I also understand that some things take a bit more time. The whole market has changed – the behaviour of people. I know the market has changed, it's become very hectic, but we won't take that as an excuse. We have a good team."

Coutinho is currently on the sidelines with a back problem and out of Liverpool's 22-man squad travelling to Hoffenheim for their Champions League playoff first leg.