Klopp speaks out on Chelsea spending spree and makes Arsenal injury claim

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gave his thoughts on Chelsea's recent spending during his pre-match press conference prior to the two sides facing off in Premier League action on Saturday.

Chelsea have already brought in five players during the January transfer window, the most high-profile of those being the £88 million deal to bring in Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.

They also spent £9 million, plus salary, to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid, while the acquisition of Benoit Badashile from Monaco cost the Blues £35 million.

Youngsters David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos have also moved to Stamford Bridge, while the club have agreed a deal with PSV to sign England youth international Noni Madueke for £29 million.

Liverpool, in contrast, have only brought in one permanent signing in January, with Cody Gakpo joining from PSV for £39 million.

They did spend heavily in the summer, signing Darwin Nunez for what could become a club-record fee, but that was also far lower than the figure splashed out by Saturday's opponents, which stood at over £250 million.

Speaking prior to the Premier League fixture, Klopp gave his thoughts on the levels of spending.

Klopp on Chelsea spending, Arsenal

When asked about Chelsea's spending power compared to that of Liverpool, the German boss said (quotes via Metro): "Interesting. Chelsea sorts the problems differently to us, so let's see.

"If the numbers [of spending] are true, then it's impressive. I believe in coaching, developing and team building 100 per cent but there are so many good managers out there now. If they start properly spending and coach, you cannot not spend or you will have a problem.

"We are in pretty good hands - we know the responsibility we have. We can't worry too much. You don't need to build a new team every year. You have to allow players to develop, and we have a few of those players.

"It's not worrying that other teams are spending, it's a matter of fact. We have to react to that as well, but not just to that. I can't see investment stopping in the future, and that means we have to do it as well."

Klopp also praised Premier League leaders Arsenal, and put forward a hypothetical scenario of Arsenal having several key players out injured.

He said (via Liverpool's official website): "Arsenal deserve where they are, they play outstanding football. Top, top, top.

"But cut out five players, or three of their offensive players, and nobody would think, 'Arsenal, where are you?' That's how it is. Injuries are a massive problem, and Chelsea have them as much as we have. It's not the only problem, but it's a big problem."