Jurgen Klopp speaks out on Liverpool decision to play national anthem at Anfield

Jürgen Klopp sends a message to James Milner and answers Alexis Mac Allister’s question about the transfer of Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp spoke at his Liverpool press conference ahead of their Premier League home match against Brentford

Jurgen Klopp has dodged questions about the future of James Milner and Liverpool’s interest in Alexis Mac Allister.

ECHO has learned the longtime Reds vice-captain will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer and join Brighton & Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Seagulls midfielder Mac Allister could go the other way and is believed to be one of Liverpool’s first choice transfer targets ahead of this summer’s midfield revamp.

Klopp was asked about both players in the pre-match press conference before facing Brentford. And he would suggest that Milner is ready to move on, not wanting to confirm the midfielder’s decision by praising his vice-captain. “No (nothing to say). Milly I can tell, over the years and months I’ve had really good conversations with him,” she said. He knows how much I appreciate it. He is an incredible part of this team and I wish I could have worked with him longer.

“What exactly the outcome of his decision will be, I think Milly will say at some point. I’m not sure if this has already happened or not, I’m not really aware of it.

“Nothing more for me to say, but it won’t change anything. I’ve said it a few times, what’s happened in the last seven and a half years, all the good stuff, nothing would have happened without James Milner.”

Meanwhile, Klopp declined to comment on speculation linking Liverpool to Mac Allister.

“Everything else, in terms of delivery, you’ll be the first to be notified if anything happens,” he said. “But before that there’s really nothing to say about it.”