Liverpool vs. Leicester: Key Takeaways from Jurgen Klopp's Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played down his club's chances of signings in January, stressing the difficulty of luring players in the winter window, as the Reds prepare to face Premier League leaders Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day. 

The German was cautious as journalists asked him questions at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, and he said the prices of midseason transfers make purchasing difficult to achieve, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo:

Ian Walton/Getty Images

The Reds continue to be linked with numerous new additions in January, with Red Star Belgrade youngster Marko Grujic expected to sign terms with the Merseyside club, according to David Maddock of the Mirror.

Klopp spoke extensively about his options for the game against Leicester, updating the press on injury news and his thoughts on the rise of the Foxes. 

Jack Lang of the Mirror reported Klopp believes Daniel Sturridge will be unavailable for the match as he continues to work his way back to full fitness; the German manager also commented on the status of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and midfielder James Milner: “Mignolet is training but Milner has no chance. We have to wait one/two weeks.”

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Klopp also confirmed Martin Skrtel is out with a hamstring problem, but Dejan Lovren is available after returning from injury, per Lang.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss was hugely complimentary of Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri and his Foxes side, who have taken English football by storm this term, per the Liverpool Echo:

The Anfield coach also spoke about his side's capitulation against Watford, losing 3-0 to the promoted team as they rampaged against a weak Liverpool defence. 

Klopp said his squad had responded well in training after the humiliation and believes the information gathered from the loss will help his side grow and move forward, per Lang:

"

We had some very good training this week. Very focused. It was a big knock we got in Watford.

We had moment after the game to speak. Then you must use the information to look forward to the next game.

You can lose football games but you have to take the right information from it. We must start better, be aware of counter-attacks.

"

The German also addressed points about himself and said his emotions vary, hinting he would like to have more personal control than present, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo:

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

The defeat to Watford sees Liverpool drop to 14th in the Premier League form guide, after only two wins in their last six. 

Klopp needs to reorganise his troops during the busy Christmas schedule and find a way of plugging the gaping holes in Liverpool's defence. 

The back four was an issue during Brendan Rodgers' tenure as coach, and Klopp will need to start investing money in this part of the squad in the January window.

Signing top players is always difficult in the winter, as Klopp stated, but the Reds will not make the Champions League unless they bring in a solid centre-back before the upcoming transfer window slams shut.