Jurgen Klopp's assistant boss has refused to discuss Liverpool's January transfer plans as the Reds prepare to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
Pep Lijnders took the pre-game press conference face the reigning champions on Thursday night at Anfield in the last 16 of the competition. Following that game, there will be just 10 days remaining before the January transfer window opens.
Liverpool are likely to be busy after enduring a disappointing first-half of the season, which has left them sixth in the Premier League. They are all but out of the title race, with current leaders Arsenal 15 points ahead of Klopp's side.
Despite the expectations of new faces arriving at Anfield, Lijnders has refused to enter into the discussion around potential targets. Instead he delivered a blunt response and told reporters to wait for Klopp to conduct his next press conference.
"This is the press room not the board room. When Jurgen is next here, ask him! For the right player, the right moment, the right feeling, we are always prepared," Lijnders said in response to a question on Liverpool's January plans.
Part of reasons for Liverpool needing to dip into the market and for their poor start to the season has been injuries. Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have both been ruled out, with Lijnders left saddened by the latter's injury troubles in particular.
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"It's really sad it has happened but he has the character to take the time to come back stronger. That will really help us. Jota was with us in Dubai, nice to get out of the UK weather. But it's same time frame," he said.
“Then Joel and Naby are in full team training - it’s good. Curtis is one week away from team training. Because it’s the League Cup I want to mention Kaide Gordon. He went with us to Dubai and started running.
"We know with these long-term injuries, where there is a lot of uncertainty, that he deserves a mention as well because the boy is very professional and gives everything.
“I just hope we can see him back without putting pressure on the boy, it’s great to see him on the pitch [and] just to tell him as well that we didn’t forget him. Even when new boys are coming up and flying and making big steps, we never will forget the old young ones."
Liverpool head into the City game having spent part of the World Cup break at a training camp in Dubai. And Lijnders believes the break has helped the Reds to reset ahead of a crucial second-half of the season.
"It gave us a chance to refresh our principles on the pitch. You have to be spot on in your coaching and the sessions you put on. That was a benefit, for sure. The players [at the World Cup] came back with a strong feeling," he added.
"If the World Cup proved one thing it is that you need your whole squad. When we play League Cup, it is always during a busy schedule. It is a perfect moment to use a full squad. It is a different situation as we've had a long time off."
