Reds are focussed
Jurgen Klopp has questioned why the Fifa Club World Cup is held mid-season, but the Liverpool manager says his side are in it to win it.
“Here we Doha”, the Daily Star reports, as Liverpool prepare for the semi-final against Mexican side Monterrey today (5.30pm, live on BBC Two).
Champions League holders Liverpool have their eye on the Premier League title this season, but the Fifa competition in Qatar has added to the club’s already hectic festive fixture list.
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When asked about the scheduling of the Club World Cup, German gaffer Klopp said: “We don’t fly 3,000 miles not to show up. We are here now and completely focussed.
“If, however, you asked me if there should be a Club World Cup in the middle of our season, I would say no. I speak constantly about this kind of competition.
“We are here so, for us, it is the most important competition in the world. But can it be bigger? I don’t know.”
While Klopp’s senior stars are in Qatar the club’s younger players were in action last night in the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa.
The Times says there was a “Gulf in class” as Villa beat the Anfield kids 5-0 to reach the league cup semi-finals.
Pogba’s United future
The Sun reports that “Pog’s not just for Xmas” with Manchester United saying that midfielder Paul Pogba will not force a move in the January transfer window.
Frenchman Pogba has missed the last two months because of injury and his spell on the sidelines will continue because of illness.
Pogba is said to be keen on leaving Old Trafford next month and “has no interest in extending his contract”, which has two-and-a-half years to run.
However, the Sun says United previously stated he would not be sold in January and maintain that nothing has changed now.
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