In keeping with the recent speculations surrounding the future of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Jurgen Klopp has said that he would like to see the current Balon d’Or holder in the Premier League. Messi has informed Barcelona that wants to leave the club after an 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich closed out an uncharacteristically trophyless season for the Catalans.
Speaking ahead of the Community Shield game against Arsenal which serves as the traditional curtain-raiser for a new season, Klopp said: “For the Premier League, it would be great 100 per cent to have the best player in the world, that would help but I am not sure the Premier League needs that boost. But it would be a boost for sure. It would be interesting as well to see. He has never played in another league other than in Spain. Football is different here. I would like to see it but I am not sure that I will.”
Jurgen Klopp also admitted that Lionel Messi joining City would make them more difficult to beat before ruling out any chances that Messi could move to Merseyside. “It will obviously help Manchester City and make it more difficult to beat them. Interest? Who doesn’t want to have Messi in their team? But no chance. The numbers are absolutely not for us. But good player, to be honest!”
The 2019 Champions League semifinal saw Klopp’s Liverpool take on Barcelona. Going into the second leg, the Spanish side looked on course to progress to the final after a 3-0 first-leg win thanks in no small part to a brace from Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou which included a stunning freekick that was eventually voted as the Goal of the Tournament.
However, Liverpool rallied in the return tie as they stunned Messi and co, winning 4-0 and completing one of the greatest European comebacks of all time. While Messi joining Manchester City would signify danger to the rest of the League, the division’s current title-holder is looking forward to his arrival.
