Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits his squad is lacking strength in depth and says they are still working hard to sign new players.
The Reds defence came under fire for conceding three goals against Watford at the weekend, leading to calls for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk to be brought in as soon as possible.
However Klopp says he is still hoping to strengthen all areas of his squad, not just defence, ahead of the transfer window closing at the end of the month, as he realises more bodies are needed.
“We are still working on all parts,” Klopp said. “We are in talks and we work on all parts of the game. The squad at the moment is not too wide for a lot of games. That’s it.”
Liverpool 'make important offer' for Atletico Madrid's teenage sensation Victor Mollejo
Liverpool made an "important offer" for Atletico Madrid sensation Victor Mollejo, according to reports.
Mollejo, 16, made his senior debut with the Atletico first-team over the weekend in the friendly against Leganes.
Much will also depend on the future of Philippe Coutinho, who continues to push for a move to Barcelona, and Klopp will be hoping he does not have to draft in a replacement for the Brazilian.
As well as Van Dijk, RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita also remains high on Klopp’s radar despite the fact the Bundesliga side are so far unwilling to cash
Klopp warns Van Dijk transfer may not fix Liverpool's dismal defending of set-pieces
Jurgen Klopp is not convinced
Virgil van Dijk is the answer to solving the Keystone Kop’s enduring frailty at set-pieces.
But as
Liverpool head for their crucial Champions League qualifier's first leg in Hoffenheim on Tuesday night, Klopp’s zonal marking paralysis remains a glaring, unsolved weakness.
At Watford in Saturday's season-opener, his team looked the whole nine yards at one end of the pitch – and the whole knacker’s yard at the other.
And if they defend like crash-test dummies against Hoffenheim – population 3,300, but with a Bundesliga stadium holding 30,000 – they will be the only prey in the village