Pure class from Jurgen Klopp with impassioned defence of Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has found an unlikely supporter after the Sun published pictures of him supposedly gatecrashing a wedding.

The story hit the front page on Wednesday with photographs of Rooney at the event being held at the Grove Hotel on his night off after the Scotland win on Friday night. The Sun alleges that Rooney turned up at the event with his England training gear and claim that he was worse for wear. England captain Rooney was forced to apologise after the story was published, insisting that he "fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position". https://twitter.com/suttonnick/status/798654236015861761 But in his pre-match press briefing on Thursday ahead of Liverpool's match with Southampton, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp came to the defence of the Manchester United skipper. Our chief football writer Tony Barrett was there to hear what Klopp had to say: https://twitter.com/TonyBarrett/status/799206215637172224 https://twitter.com/TonyBarrett/status/799206520407920640 https://twitter.com/TonyBarrett/status/799206879205486592 Rooney's full statement read:

''Naturally Wayne is sorry that pictures taken with fans have been published. ''Although it was a day off for the whole squad and staff, he fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position. ''Earlier today Wayne spoke privately to both Gareth Southgate and [FA technical director] Dan Ashworth to unreservedly apologise. ''He would like to further extend that apology to any young fans who have seen these pictures.''

Elsewhere, Klopp was also asked about the reported interest in midfielder Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona. The German insisted he is planning on keeping the Brazilian at Anfield: https://twitter.com/TonyBarrett/status/799209686448963584 https://twitter.com/TonyBarrett/status/799209981061038080 He was also asked about Adam Lallana's fitness ahead of the England midfielder's return to former club Southampton: https://twitter.com/TonyBarrett/status/799205873302306816