Borussia Dortmund believe their overwhelmingly positive relationship with Jurgen Klopp would prevent any bad blood developing in the event that their beloved ex-boss comes calling for one of his former players in the future. The German, appointed as successor to Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool in October, proved an immensely popular figure during a seven-year stint in charge at Signal Iduna Park, reaching the final of the Champions League in 2013 and also guiding the club to consecutive Bundesliga triumphs at the turn of the decade.
He eventually relinquished his role in May, claiming to no longer be certain that he was the perfect man for the job. Upon the 48-year-old's appointment at Anfield, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke expressed confidence that he would never do "anything that would damage BVB's interests" as inevitable rumours began circulating regarding the potential transfers of key players such as Ilkay Gundogan and in-form striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
While that appeared to rule out the notion that Klopp could raid his former employers for new signings during the January transfer window and beyond, this week such a possibility appeared to become more likely as the manager revealed that there was no agreement in place to prevent the two clubs from doing business and there existed the potential for him to try and strike a deal of that nature should the need arise.
Watzke, however, remains sure that any future approaches would be strictly above board and do little to harm the bond the strong bond between Klopp and Dortmund. Speaking to Die Welt, he said: "One thing is clear, we at BVB have a very good relationship with Jurgen.
"I think there would be no conflict were there to be interest in one of our players at some point. He would contact us before (he contacts the player)."
One reported Liverpool target that will not be joining over the winter is Jack Butland. The impressive young Stoke goalkeeper has gone from strength to strength since being called upon to replace the departed Asmir Begovic this season, leading to widespread speculation that he was on the radar of both Merseyside clubs.
Klopp looked to shoot down those rumours prior to tonight's Capital One Cup quarter-final clash at Southampton, however, reiterating his faith in current number one Simon Mignolet and summer arrival Adam Bogdan.
"I'm absolutely satisfied with our goalkeeper situation," he said at a press conference. "I'm sorry to kill your stories... German goalkeepers, one from Stoke. We have quality goalkeepers. Simon Mignolet is one of the smartest I've ever had. He's open, completely open. He's young enough to improve and since I'm here there's nothing to criticise."
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