Jurgen Klopp has dismissed Gareth Bale as a potential target for Liverpool and insisted he is focused on building a team rather than acquiring individuals.
The German watched on as the Reds drew 2-2 with Sporting Lisbon in their latest pre-season friendly in New York.
And Bale is unwanted at Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane spoke out about how a move away would be beneficial for all concerned.
But despite the Welsh star’s availability, Klopp is adamant Liverpool are not interested.
“These fantastic football players have some strange ideas. I respect them all so much, but they probably only say these things because somebody asked them,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “Bale is a Real Madrid player and if he leaves it will be outstandingly expensive and big wages.
“He is an outstanding player, I like him a lot but it is not about him. You have to create a team. A team is not a collection of the best individual players, they have to work together.
“Liverpool is a long-term project. The team is really good. Will there be difficult situations? Probably. There would be if we bring in a new player, or two or three. I didn’t say we won’t do anything, it is going to be a big window for sure but people don’t think about the people who are already in.
“Sometimes you have to calm the situation down, pay your bills, have a normal life and live in the house before you build a new one.”
Next up for the European champions are Napoli on Sunday before facing Lyon in their final game before the Community Shield against Man City on 4 August.
