Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool struggle to compete with Manchester and London clubs investment

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Liverpool struggle to compete with the investment of their rivals from Manchester and London.

While speaking to journalists from his home country on a media day at Melwood, the German coach recognised the huge expectations on him to turn the famous club’s fortunes around.

Klopp has failed to provide an immediate cure-all since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in October, with Liverpool still languishing in mid-table and struggling for consistency.

Qualification for the Champions League now looks unlikely, unless achieved via winning the Europa League, and the former Borussia Dortmund head coach concedes that it is difficult for the Reds to keep pace with their richer rivals.

"There were great managers and great players working at Liverpool that have influenced the club's history and after four months, I really get the impression that everybody in this club is hungry for success,” he said.

"We are trying to bring that success back to the club. But both the Manchester clubs and a few London clubs invest a lot.

“So if you make a few good decisions that doesn't necessarily mean that you make steps ahead on the Premier League table because these clubs are making the right decisions too.”

Klopp did, however, maintain that he has enjoyed his first few months of ‘intense’ English football and said he feels at home at a “special club” like Liverpool.

“It is intense, there is a real intensity here in English football,” he added. “It pays more, but if I convert my hourly wage I earn probably the same as in Dortmund!

“I feel very comfortable over here. It's a special club, a special place. It's an honour and it's great fun and a great adventure to be here.

"Problem is, the last big trophies have been won a few years ago. It's a problem that many great clubs have in the present. You have to deal with that because obviously there are reasons for that."

Despite their indifferent form in the league, Klopp has guided his new club to the Capital One Cup final and a date at Wembley with Manchester City at the end of this month.

The competition provided Liverpool with their last trophy win in 2012, under the stewardship of Kenny Dalglish.

Klopp also all but confirmed that new signings will arrive in the summer but,

"Of course, the summer is important and there are several things we need to develop. One is transfers, the other's time,” he said.

“But we showed in the January window we will not be trying to sign players just for the sake of it, and just because we have money.”

Steven Caulker, a loan signing from Queens Park Rangers to provide emergency defensive cover, and Marko Grujic, a young Serbian midfielder who was immediately loaned back to former club Red Star Belgrade, were Liverpool’s only acquisitions during last month’s transfer window.

The club were involved in a high-profile pursuit of then-Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixeira, but balked at the Ukrainian club’s demands of a £38million transfer fee.

“We won't get drawn into a bidding war, because we have a very good squad already.”