Jurgen Klopp has branded Roberto Firmino as "the heart and soul" of his Liverpool team amid speculation linking the forward with a move to Juventus.
Reports in Italy have intensified this week with regards to Firmino with Juventus said to be stepping up their efforts to bring the Brazil international to Turin in a deal worth around £20m.
Firmino is inside the final 12 months of his Anfield contract and while there is no sign of an extension being penned, Liverpool have no intention of offloading the former Hoffenheim man this window, it is understood.
Klopp has now talked up the importance of the Reds' No.9 as he gets set for his eighth campaign on Merseyside, which begins with a trip to Fulham on August 6.
"Bobby is crucial for us," Klopp said in a pre-match press conference to preview Saturday's Community Shield with Manchester City. "Bobby is the heart and soul of this team. The way we played in the last years was only possible because of Bobby.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp right about 'really strange' claim as Liverpool change becomes clear
READ MORE: Naby Keita partnership emerges as Curtis Jones approaches Liverpool crossroads
"That's why I am really happy that he could train the majority of the time here in the pre-season so far. Everything looks really good, so I am absolutely fine. For me there is no doubt about his quality. All the rest we will see how it goes, for me he is essential for us."
Klopp also explained how new signing Fabio Carvalho is adjusting to life at Liverpool following his summer switch from Fulham. The Reds moved to bring the teenager to the club earlier this year after failing to secure a deal at the end of the January transfer window.
The Portugal Under-21 international has looked bright so far in pre-season and started the 1-0 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg in Austria on Wednesday evening, starting on the left of the front three alongside Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott.
Klopp added: "Last night he was tired as well. You can see that he is a very technical player, incredibly creative and we will have a lot of fun with him, definitely. But that is a good example because last night he was OK but he can be much better.
"That is just how it is. You need all these kinds of things, these little lows as well, so I am really happy with him. He showed up and is in the middle of the team after such a short period of time, so that is a good sign for the team but for him as well. He is an open young man and is a top addition for us."
READ NEXT
Gini Wijnaldum £8m 'loan-to-buy deal in place' as former Liverpool star set to move
Arsenal chief Edu makes admission over Liverpool and 'very nice' transfer plan
Pep Lijnders reveals what Jurgen Klopp texted him after Liverpool lost out to Man City
'What I like most' - Virgil van Dijk makes admission about Liverpool team-mate
'Good things will happen' - Virgil van Dijk makes Fabio Carvalho claim after Liverpool transfer
