14 Oct 2015

Transfer Update: Liverpool chase 'infuriating' €18m outcast Klopp tried to sign for Dortmund

In his first press conference as Liverpool's new manager, Jurgen Klopp stressed the need to concentrate on building a 'stable defence', which is something Liverpool have lacked ever since Sami Hyypia left the club. The Reds' constantly changing defensive unit is (arguably) responsible for a sustained lack of defensive consistency, and new reports suggest that Klopp plans to bringing in at least one new central defender. Unsurprisingly, Dormtund defender Mats Hummels is currently linked with a move to Anfield, but a new name has now entered the fray.

According to Italian newspaper Gazetta Dello Sport this week, Liverpool are planning a January move for Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia, who is currently struggling to maintain a first team place under Roberto Mancini.

Some info about Ranocchia:

* 6'3 central defender, who cost Inter €18m, and captained the club last season.

* Liverpool were last linked with 27-year old during the summer transfer window.

* According to German newspaper Bild, Klopp was 'keen' to sign Ranocchia during the january 2014 transfer window.

* This season: Granted only 71 minutes of pitch time, and is yet to start a game. Substitute or subbed-off in all seven of Inter's games.

* ESPN's assessment of 'infuriating' Ranocchia's 2014-15 performance:

- "There are huge questions over his [Ranocchia's] capabilities. He has often has been guilty of mistakes that have cost points.

- "Decision making is a major weakness in Ranocchia's game. More than once this season, the 27-year-old has been panicked into giving the ball away or misjudging a situation that has resulted in his team dropping points.

- His biggest enemy is his own mind as he does not trust himself and that's not the right mindset for a top centre-back".


Hmmm. Mistakes that lead to opposition goals? Bad decision-making? Misjudging situations, and giving the ball away? Mentally suspect?

Yikes. Ranocchia sounds like Dejan Lovren MK 2, and the last thing Liverpool need is another error-prone defender who can't handle the pressure.

That said, maybe Klopp can work his magic on Ranocchia (and Lovren).

Author: Jaimie K


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