Klopp: Keeping stars will give us lift-off

Premier League Asia Trophy

Ahead of Premier League Asia Trophy match with Crystal Palace, manager explains how holding on to best players can help Liverpool make "next step"

Jurgen Klopp says that keeping Liverpool's top players has been "the best news" for this summer as it gives them a chance to move on to the next level in 2017/18.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's 1.30pm BST match against Crystal Palace at the Premier League Asia Trophy in Hong Kong, Klopp said that holding on to stars such as Philippe Coutinho is of greater importance than bringing in new signings.

"The world thinks improving a squad is all about bringing in new players - nobody thinks that the players could make the next step," he told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Yes, we use the transfer window because we have the opportunity but the main thing I the club about is how we can make the next step with the players we had last year.

“The good news is that we didn't lose - and will not lose - a player we want to keep this season. That's very, very good, the best news."