Jurgen Klopp has admitted it may appear Emre Can will leave the club in the summer, saying “sometimes a player just wants to sit out his contract”.
Can, the former Leverkusen midfielder, has been linked with a whole host of clubs in the past few months, with Juventus thought to be his preferred destination.
The German's contract is due to expire in the summer, with Klopp confirming he will stay until the end of the season, however has suggested the midfielder's career at Anfield is coming to an end.
“He'll stay beyond the winter,” Klopp told DAZN. “Emre is still a young lad but he has developed into a great player and is very important for us.
“Sometimes a player just wants to sit out his contract. That's not cool for the club, but there are moments in which you have to accept it.
“And as long as the player behaves like Emre does, then I have absolutely nothing to complain about.
“He gives everything he has and identifies with the club.”
Can, who has been named Liverpool captain twice in recent weeks, has received questions over whether he should be captaining the side in light of his desire to leave - just as Phil Coutinho prior to his departure.
The 24-year-old recently said of contract talks that he was talking to “everyone.”
“My agent is looking after everything but I am here until the summer,” Can said.
“I haven't signed anything (with Juventus) or anyone. I am talking with everyone.
“Of course I am talking with Liverpool. I still have a contract here. It is an amazing club. What can I say? My agent does the rest.
“I just concentrate on the season, on my performance and the football. I will give everything for this team.”