I am not sure if this is about wages.
The following is from an interview Can gave in March.
“I know I could do much better,” said Can. “I’ve had a few problems, calf problems, but I kept going and I played.
“Maybe it was not good that I played and did not have a break but the last few weeks were better and I feel strong again. I know when I am fit and pain-free I am confident. I know what I am going to do.
“I feel good at the moment. I have to come back to the old Emre because when I am fit I know what I am able to do and I am confident enough to know I can play much better than in the past.”
“I’ve had calf problems for many years and it has been very difficult for me because I’ve played out of position, which means more sprints. Ten minutes into the game I’ve not been able to feel my feet in a few games. I didn’t like to go to the media and say ‘I am injured’.
“I didn’t play well when it was my opportunity to play and it was my mistake. I play in a different position now and I don’t sprint too much. Last week was good, against Burnley was good and I was pain-free.
“When I play as a number eight I have to go forward and sprint more and I had a few problems with my calf. When I play at six you don’t have to sprint too much, you are in the middle and you have to make challenges and don’t have to go too far away. Maybe the trainer has to decide.”
The following is from an interview Klopp gave after the Watford game:
“His mind is not elsewhere. It is an important contract for him at his age. I am 100 per cent sure that we don't sell the player now in this situation, not a player from the first team line-up. He will play here for the next year that is for sure. All the rest we have to see.”
“In England it is two years before. Last year, there was no real readiness for negotiations but this year we have talked. We want him and he also wants to stay. It is about a few little details.
“It's not about having to make a decision about bringing in another player in the same position, the same size, the same skills. Emre is on a good way. He has really improved in a lot of parts and is a really important player for us, can play different positions."
So, I am not sure if Klopp looks at Can as a No.8 and Can wants to play No.6 to prolong his career. The part about bringing another player is telling. Oxlaide is 1.8m in height and Can is 1.84 (not same, but similar size). After the FA cup win Oxlaide said he wanted to be Stevie (Number 8 ). Maybe. Klopp doesn't fancy Can as a No.6 whereas Can wants to play at No.6 (similar to Oxlaide's situation at Arsenal). Just a thought...
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