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Jurgen Klopp paying no heed to Liverpool players' contract statuses in selection calls

Oxlade-Chamberlain has 18 months left on his current deal
Oxlade-Chamberlain has 18 months left on his current deal

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he is more interested in a player's current performance levels than the state of his contract.

In recent weeks the Reds boss has had to call on fringe players like Divock Origi, whose deal expires in the summer, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has 18 months left.

While not considered regular starters, both have played important roles during a recent run of injuries and they have not let down their manager and he views that as the most important thing.

"It's about how you play in the moment and then you are in the starting line-up - if your contract expires in two days, four months or five years it makes absolutely no difference," he said.

"So, yep, all important but not because they are happy when they don't start. They are important because they can really contribute in the moment when they start or when they come on and that is why they are Liverpool players.

"We don't have to talk about the potential of these boys or whatever, it is about what makes sense for both sides in six or 18 months or whatever.

"But it is not important at all at the moment. It is not just about the two players you mention. We will not stay together forever. That is how it is.

"If someone wants to go somewhere else we have to find a solution for it.

"If we want to find somebody from another club we have to find a solution for it but it has nothing to do with now."

On Oxlade-Chamberlain, Klopp was effusive in his praise of a player who has already made more appearances this season than last.

"It's pretty much the best Oxlade since I was here," said the manager.

"I know he was more spectacular in moments, scoring against City and some really good goals, but it is a completely new quality.

"Calming the game down, knowing when to sprint with the ball, when to shoot.

"Being involved in all the different things on the pitch is a massive step and I'm really happy with Ox in the moment and hopefully it is like this."

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