Jose Enrique Exclusive Inteview: Klopp has been too loyal to certain players

Q: What is the main factor in your opinion for Liverpool’s poor form this season?

I think Klopp has been a bit too loyal to certain players. Pep Guardiola spoke about it not long ago which we can see with the way Cancelo has left Manchester City, it’s the same problem.

Other than that - not improving the team when you are doing well. In football you can’t win all the time especially considering the spending of the top teams. But Liverpool have to be up there trying to compete for trophies. That’s the sad thing, after last season where we fought for every trophy possible whereas this season Liverpool are struggling to get in the top six. It’s because the team this year is actually worse than last year - this shouldn’t happen.

So a big problem was not improving the team when it needed to be improved, and now they have a big problem because you have to fight for a higher position in the table.

Q: Brighton impressed when they beat Liverpool last weekend. How big a disappointment was it for Liverpool to exit the FA Cup?

It may be a long-shot, but they are still in the Champions League. You never know what can happen in that competition, especially with Klopp and Liverpool. If they play the way they are playing right now then they won’t do it. But if they can get back to their old form, you never know. You have to have hope.

Against Brighton, the problem with Liverpool is that every game it feels like they can lose. It feels like there is a strong chance that in any game that they won’t win. Of course it’s disappointing because they could have still won the FA Cup and to be out of the running for a trophy is sad. But it didn’t surprise me given the way Liverpool are playing.

Q: Liverpool have a game in hand on Newcastle and Manchester United, they’re 10 points behind but it could be 7 points. Do you think there is still a chance of Top 4 for Liverpool?

I think it would be a miracle the way the team is performing at the minute. Right now, it’s not a realistic target. I really hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think it’s realistic right now.

Q: Liverpool travel to Wolves this weekend – what do you expect?

We go back to the same thing, every game is tough. Tough for Klopp, tough for the team and tough for the fans. It’s a very difficult moment for the club because any game can be a good performance, but it can also be a poor performance which has been more common this season.

I want to be positive and hope Liverpool win and I’d predict they do, but still I have my doubts - every game has a big question mark.

Q: Cody Gakpo was the only signing in at Anfield this month. What do you make of Liverpool’s window?

I think Liverpool do need to rebuild their squad. It’s early days with Gakpo, but I’m not certain he was the right signing for Liverpool - what I’ve seen in the first few games has not changed my mind. But it’s early days and I hope he becomes a big success at Liverpool. When I look at Arsenal signing Trossard, I would have been tempted to look to sign him. However, his age doesn’t fit the profile of the players Liverpool are looking to sign right now.

I think Liverpool were missing a midfielder and I don’t mean spending £100m+ on Bellingham. There are a lot of players out there who I think could have improved the squad, helped bolster numbers, give more energy to the midfield and support the front three. So, evaluating Liverpool’s transfer window right now, it does feel disappointing.

Q: There were lots of rumours about Bellingham and they will likely return in the summer. Do you still think it’s likely he’ll come to Liverpool? And does it rely on Champions League qualification? Or at least playing in European football?

If I was in Bellingham’s position, Liverpool not qualifying for the Champions League would certainly impact my decision. A player of his quality will have his pick of where he’d like to go. I hope (from a Liverpool perspective) that he does not go to Manchester City, but they are certainly a candidate to sign him. The likes of Real Madrid will also want him. If Liverpool finish around 7th or 8th , as seems very possible now, then I think it’ll be tough for them to sign him.

However, there’s a school of thought that Liverpool need more than just one or two players. So if it were a case of spending their entire transfer budget on Bellingham, then I’m not sure that’s the best use of their funds. I think they need to make more than just one or two signings to improve this squad. I do think Bellingham would be the perfect signing, but I’m not certain how realistic it would be right now.

Q: Sofyan Amrabat was heavily linked, did you hope he’d arrive at Liverpool?

I think he would have been a good signing, I really like him. But I think he is more of a 6 (defensive midfielder) and Klopp is currently giving minutes to Stefan Bajcetic, who is doing well. I like Bajcetic and think he has great abilities, but I think he is more for the future.

I think the priority should be for the number 8 position. Ounahi, who starred for Morocco at the World Cup, went to Marseille, I think he’s fantastic and he went for quite a cheap fee to Marseille - I think Liverpool could have gone in for him.

Q: You mentioned there were many midfielders out there that Liverpool should have signed - can you elaborate on that? Are there any specific names, if not Bellingham that you’d like to see join?

It’s not so much about names, as it is about the profile of the player. Amrabat is a name that has been thrown about for the holding midfield. Bellingham would be the best signing and that’s why everyone wants him. Being realistic he’s probably too expensive if they want to rebuild the team which I think they need to do.

Instead of going for players like Thiago and Keita, they should go back for players like Gallagher, who are technically good, but have amazing work rate. In an ideal world you want the younger version of Jordan Henderson. He has the ability to do things, maybe not at the level of Keita or Thiago, but every game he gives 100%, up and down, box to box. That’s the kind of player I’d be looking for.

Q: Who do you think Liverpool need to sign?

I think Liverpool need two midfielders, a left footed right winger to compete with Salah because he hasn’t been anywhere near his very high standards. I also think they need a right back, perhaps a centre back too as Van Dijk hasn’t looked the same since his big injury. Gomez, Konate and Matip are there, Konate is injured, Matip is getting older and it looks like they are going to sell Phillips.

The main focus needs to be in midfield, at least two maybe three, a right winger and a right back to compete with Trent.

Q: Trent AA has cut a frustrated figure of late. What do you make of his form and the way Klopp has used him? Could we see him play in midfield sooner rather than later?

I don’t think he should be playing midfield. He was one of the best right backs in the world for a few years, and I don’t think when you are the best in one position, that is something you need to change.

What he needs to change is his body language, his attitude and his workrate. I know he has been criticised for his defending but I think it almost looks like he’s lost the desire to play a bit. It’s not about being a World Class defender, I don’t think he ever has been, but he was still the best right back in the world because so much is demanded of Liverpool going forward as well which he was absolutely amazing at. But right now he’s not attacking quite as well either.

The problem for Trent is that he has little competition or back-up, for his position as well. There is no one pushing him and saying if you don’t play well, I will replace you. You need someone to push you. Trent has won everything and I’m sure he’ll be back to his best again. If not this season then it’ll be next that we see the old Trent. I really hope so.

Q: Will it be next season that Liverpool fans see the best of Nunez?

I still have my doubts about Nunez. I like him as a player and I think he suits a counter-attacking team, like Tottenham under Conte. I think he would be fantastic and score lots of goals for this kind of team because he is fast, powerful, especially when given space. When teams close the spaces it’s hard for him. He isn’t World Class with the ball at his feet and that’s why Klopp puts him on the left rather than as the main striker.

Klopp uses more of a false 9 as we saw with Firmino for many years. A player then can play with the ball at their feet, hold the ball up, play it wide, play close, 1-2s but Nunez isn’t that kind of player so I do have some doubts about him.

You don’t want to be too critical because it’s his first season at Liverpool and he has shown good signs. Do I think he is going to become World Class? Like Suarez, Fowler, Torres, Owen, Mane, Salah or Firmino? Right now I’m not sure that he and Gakpo are going to reach that level.

Q: Newcastle made it to Wembley, for the first time since 1999. What did you make of their victory last night?

They are fantastic the way they play. If you look at their team they have maybe three or four world class players: Trippier, Guimarães and maybe Botman and Pope, but they work as a team. It’s amazing how they work together, how they press together, how aggressive they are and the way they defend as a unit.

It’s unbelievable what Eddie Howe has done with this team. I’m so happy for them and the fans deserve it as well after such a tough time under Mike Ashley. They are in the final because they deserve to be there and I’m very happy for them.

Q: Sean Longstaff – a local boy scoring the goals to take them to Wembley. How much did you have input from local lads during your time at the club? And how important is it to have local players at the club?

It’s always good to bring young local players into the team if they are good enough.

I love that and at Liverpool I had people like Jamie Carragher, Jon Flannagan and Steven Gerrard who all have love for the club. Although Longstaff may not be one of the best midfielders in the league, he will always give his best. So it’s very difficult to bring someone in to take his place. He’s a player where you know what you are going to get, even though yesterday he got those two goals which was a bit of a surprise. But he will give his all and you love to see that - even more so from academy players.

But you can still have someone like Bruno Guimarães. He only joined a year ago, but feels like he has been there his whole life and that he’s from Newcastle - but he’s Brazilian of course! I understand bringing young players in from the academy who bring the history of the club with them. But you have to be good enough and Longstaff is doing really well. I’m happy for him.

Q: You got the club promoted and you’ve seen the fans incredibly happy. Can you compare that happiness to the happiness of getting to a major cup final?

I think it would have been a similar feeling to when we were promoted. The happiness at the time was fantastic.

Now they are trying to get into the Top Four, which I think they will and they are fighting for the Carabao cup. It’s a final competing with Premier League teams, not in the Championship like we were and an important cup- it’s very difficult to win any trophy.

You can see that the fans now make it amazing for the players to play at St James’ Park - it’s a nightmare for any away team. From the first minute the fans will be on you and pushing their players. That’s why the team has done so well. They play good football with Eddie Howe but the fans are massive - some of the best in the league.

Q: Newcastle will almost certainly face Man United. How do you rate their chances of lifting the trophy?

I think they have a big chance to win it. The problem is they are not experienced in these situations.

Even against Southampton when they were 2-1 up, I could see some nerves in the team. Southampton had a big chance to equalise. That’s the only thing I fear for them. If they can handle the pressure, I think they can beat Manchester United.

But you’re not playing at St James’ Park in a two-legged tie. It’ll be at Wembley with fans from each side. But if they can handle that pressure of being in a final they can beat anybody - that’s my only question mark for this Newcastle side. But I hope they do it.

Q: Guimaraes saw red after a VAR review. He’ll miss three League games and back for the final – how damaging is that for their Champions League battle?

It’s very good he doesn’t miss the final! You need to ask the fans if they would rather finish Top 4, or win a trophy? The fans want to finish in the Top 4 so you can be in the Champions League which is amazing. But then winning a trophy is winning a trophy!

Bruno is a massive loss, he’s their best player. I think he can play in any team in the world so he’s going to be a big miss. Can they replace what he does for them? We’ll see after the first game without him but I don’t think they can replace him completely. Right now how Newcastle play as a team they can still beat anybody. But they’ll miss him.

This will be the hardest moment for them now with Bruno missing 3 games.

Q: Anthony Gordon arrived from Everton in a £45m deal. How do you see him fitting into this Newcastle side?

I love him as a player. I spoke to him a few times in the past and I like him as a person - he’s a very good guy. I think he’s perfect for Eddie Howe and what he wants to build there. Players with a great attitude and high expectations of what they want to achieve.

He’s different to Almiron, but he is that kind of high energy, high work-rate player that Eddie is looking for. He can score goals as well. I think it’s a step forward for him and a great signing for Newcastle.

£45m is the price you have to pay for an English player - there is a premium. Only time will tell if the price is worth it and I think it will be. They need this kind of player and now, they can have Joelinton as an 8. With Bruno missing they can play Gordon on the wing, Joelinton or Willock as the 8s and then Longstaff holding. They have more options now which is great.

Q: Do you think Newcastle have got a squad now able to push on to the Champions League?

I think so. If they are lucky with injuries then I think the squad is good enough. They just have Premier League games plus the Carabao Cup Final and that’s it. I think winning the final will also be a massive boost pushing for Top 4 as well.

Q: Newcastle let Chris Wood go on loan to Nottingham Forest – a player they only signed a year ago. Do they have enough firepower without him?

With Wood still there you’d have 3 strikers - Isak, Wilson and Wood. The problem with Wilson and Isak is that they are injury prone. Even though I think both are great players, and have the quality to play in the Champions League, they have injury problems. But you need two players per position, not three, so I understand the move.

Last season, it helped Newcastle’s cause that Wood was playing for a relegation rival at Burnley and they took their main threat. I can’t see Chris Wood being a striker playing in one of the main European competitions next year at Newcastle.

Q: What’s the reason behind their huge defensive success this season? Is there a defender you’d single out for their performances?

I don’t think it’s just the defence, I think it’s the team. They defend as a team. Of course the defenders are playing well. Trippier is probably the stand out player because he goes forward as well and he’s very experienced - a leader.

But it’s how they defend as a team. You can’t give all the credit to the defenders. Nick Pope does deserve a special mention. He’s been fantastic for them, every time they’ve needed him he’s been there and the clean sheets speak for themselves. They have the most clean sheets in Europe Top 5 Leagues but it’s the team as a whole.

People will think it’s just the defence but Newcastle defend and attack as a team - that’s what makes the difference. For example when Trippier goes forward, the midfield covers him. I would not give credit just to the defence, it’s the whole team working together.

Q: Can Howe keep Saint Maximin happy with him now being a sub?

Eddie Howe, Guardiola, Klopp - I don’t think any of them could make the difference here! It’s whether Saint-Maximin himself is happy being a sub. I don’t think Eddie is able to keep a player happy if they are not happy being on the bench.

Talent wise many feel he’s the best player in the team. He’s world class in a 1v1 situation and I think he’d be a nightmare for any defender - in fact I don’t think I’ve ever seen Kyle Walker struggle so much against any winger in the world! But the way Eddie Howe wants to play, Maximin can’t give you the work rate for 90 minutes. That’s why he’s gone for Gordon, even if Saint Maximin is more talented, Gordon is going to give him what he wants.

It's a question for Saint Maximin - will he be happy coming off the bench? I don’t think he will and it is possible he will want to move on in the summer.

Q: Newcastle host West Ham this weekend, what do you expect from the game?

If Newcastle play the way they are playing, I think they will win. You never know, that’s why we love football, it’s so unpredictable. But if you ask me to bet on a team, not just me I think anyone (apart from the West Ham fans!) will go for Newcastle. The way they are playing is fantastic and I think they can beat anybody.

Q: Cancelo, a surprising transfer, is headed to Bayern Munich – what did you make of that?

I think something must have happened between him and Guardiola. He must have had an issue with Cancelo and moved him on.

But I’m surprised because he’s a top player and City are going to miss him. To me it looks like he’s giving up a bit on the Premier League trophy. Letting one of the best full backs in the world leave on loan to Bayern? It’s definitely a big surprise.

Q: Enzo Fernandez arrives for a Premier League record fee, eclipsing the £100m Man City spent on Grealish. What do you make of the signing? Chelsea signed Mudryk, Madueke, Felix, Badiashile, Gusto, Fofana, Santos and Fernandez. Can they yet make the top four this season?

Of course it’s difficult because they are mid table right now, but Potter doesn’t have an excuse now. He has to fight for every single game they are playing in. They have enough players to field three teams - and all three are strong enough to play against anybody.

I’m not convinced with the fees they are paying though for some of the players. Enzo is a good player, but is he worth the price tag? It’s going to weigh heavily on him. I don’t know him well enough to guess how he’ll deal with it. He had an incredible World Cup with Argentina, but can he play like that for Chelsea? Time will tell.

It’s crazy to spend that kind of money on such a young player that hasn’t proved themselves on the big stage for an extended period.

With Bellingham, I understand paying that money. He’s been proving himself for a few years now and you can see the quality.

Q: Everton didn’t manage to bring anyone in to help Sean Dyche. What do you make of that, do you think they will stay up?

I think they got the right manager to stay in the league with Sean Dyche… even if he’s a Liverpool fan! I think he’s the kind of manager that brings very clear ideas to the way he wants his team to play, as we saw in Burnley.

But he has to work with the players there and didn’t get to bring in any of his own. It’s going to be tough for Everton, very tough for them to stay in the league.

Q: Arsenal’s window saw them sign Trossard, Kiwior and Jorginho. Who do you make favourites to win the title?

It was a fantastic window for Arsenal. I think they are going to win the League. There are lots of games to play but with the way they are playing, I think they are going to do it.

Trossard came into the team against Manchester City and you could see he still needs to adapt a little bit in the way Arsenal press, but in terms of quality he’s amazing. Jorginho as well, he's fantastic. I can’t say too much about Kiwior as I don’t know too much about him but it’s a fantastic window for them and I think they are going to win the League, and I hope they do!

Q: What's your opinion on VAR in today's game?

At first I didn’t like it. Like anything new you are against it because football doesn’t need change. But now I like it. It’s fairer when it’s done correctly. I think the problem is that the quality of refereeing is not good enough - they are making lots of wrong VAR decisions which is not the technology but the people.

Some of the rules should be clearer, such as the handball rule. I think a handball should be a handball, not overthinking where it hits the arm and if it was intentional or not.

But apart from that it’s fairer and it protects the big players who may be targeted by the opposition. When I played you could attack the better players but it’s good to protect them and keep them uninjured.

I like it, but it needs to be used better and I think a former player should be there to help them out.

Q: Which stadium that you played in had the most intimidating atmosphere?

I’m not sure about intimidating, but when I played for Newcastle, the best stadium I played in (other than our home stadium) was at Anfield and the Stadium of Light.

Old Trafford when I was at Liverpool was hard. I wouldn’t say intimidating but the atmosphere was amazing. Everton also was really good. Mainly it was the derbies because the fans were so excited to be part of these games.

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