Jurgen Klopp has spoken Simon Peach at Press Association at the close of the transfer deadline day. The German boss has spoken about the departure of unfavoured striker Danny Ings, who joins Southampton on loan, with a view to a permanent deal next summer: "It is a very strange feeling saying goodbye. The biggest emotion is how much we will miss him. He is such an outstanding boy. Honestly, if you could bottle character and spirit, his would sell worldwide"
The manager, who has nurtured Ings back to full fitness after a series of problematic injuries went on to speak of his delight for the player personally: "It was clear early on that Southampton has great appeal to him personally. It’s his home, his family is there, it’s his boyhood club. They have a great manager and I think the supporters and him will feed off each other’s passion and energy"
Moving back home will hopefully provide Ings with the familiarity and confidence he needs to become the goal-scoring sensation he once was. His move to Liverpool held so much potential but unfortunately for both player and club, his injury problems prevented him from getting a run of games at full tilt.
Klopp touched on his fitness in his final comment:
So we say farewell to a friend, but for Danny I know the best chapters in his personal story are still to be written. He is as fit now as at any point of his career I would bet & he just requires the opportunity. Good luck Danny - we will miss you"
