Max Kruse: I rejected Liverpool

German striker Max Kruse has claimed he turned down Liverpool before moving to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

The 31-year-old signed for the Yellow and Blues this summer but not before rejecting an offer from Liverpool, according to the player.

Were Liverpool close to signing Kruse? Five key things to know…

• Kruse left Werder Bremen this summer after hitting 35 goals in 92 appearances.
• He had offers from a number of different teams.
• One of those offers was from Liverpool, claims Kruse.
• He considered his options carefully, speaking to many players.
• He chose Fenerbahce as he thought it is where he would be the happiest.

https://audioboom.com/posts/7317342-rodgers-has-helped-tick-the-boxes-for-maguire-s-manchester-move

The German striker left Bremen despite the club wanting to offer the player a new deal. His record for the Bundesliga side was mightily impressive, with the former Wolfsburg forward hitting a goal every 2.6 matches on average.

He was confirmed as a Fenerbahce player at the end of June, but the 31-year-old has confirmed he turned down an offer from compatriot Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

“During the transfer period, I’ve received lots of offers and one of them was Liverpool,” Kruse told BeIN SPORTS Turkey.

“But I decided to join Fenerbahce because I believe I will be very happy there.

“I spoke with a lot of players during that period and I am happy about my decision.”

Kruse hit 12 goals and 14 assists last season in the German top flight and could have been a useful squad player at Anfield.

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‘There must be breaks’ Klopp complains about hectic schedule

With Kruse rejecting the Reds, there have been questions raised over whether Liverpool have enough depth to compete for the title this season, especially considering they had several players on international duty over the summer.

Rhian Brewster and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should be back in contention which helps relieve the pressure on the first XI but Klopp believes the hectic scheduling for football clubs needs to change.

“We sit here and it sounds like I am having a moan or whatever. It is just the situation, in the long-term, is not acceptable,” Klopp said.

“It looks like nobody can imagine a week without football in the year. When did that happen? A game again, a game again.

“It is difficult, difficult for the boys. Everything will be fine this season. But in the long-term? We have to change it.

“There must be breaks. Come on, let them go. Be brave. Don’t treat every game like it is the last of a decade.”

Liverpool start their 2019-20 Premier League campaign at home to newly-promoted Norwich City on Friday 9th August.