Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has declared Juventus target Roberto Firmino as the "heart and soul" of the club.

At his Community Shield media conference today, Klopp responded to talk of Juventus moving for the Brazilian.

"Bobby is crucial for us," Klopp said in a pre-match press conference to preview Saturday's clash with Manchester City. "Bobby is the heart and soul of this team. The way we played in the last years was only possible because of Bobby.

"That's why I am really happy that he could train the majority of the time here in the pre-season so far.

"Everything looks really good, so I am absolutely fine. For me there is no doubt about his quality. All the rest we will see how it goes, for me he is essential for us."