Jurgen Klopp says improving Liverpool's defence is a priority

Jurgen Klopp wants to strengthen his defence and will make it a priority ahead of next season, the Liverpool manager has revealed.

Klopp also confirmed striker Danny Ings has returned to training but warned he may not rush him back into the Liverpool line-up, possibly preferring to keep him back until fully fit for next season.

Klopp was speaking the day after the Reds conceded an injury-time goal to lose 1-0 to Villarreal in their Europa League semi-final first leg.

Although pleased at how his squad have improved since his arrival at Anfield in October, the charismatic German said he still wants to strengthen their defensive frailties.

"We solved a lot of problems. Set pieces were the worst thing. We needed to improve and we did," he said.

"When you build up a team you start with the defence. But it's not just about speaking to the defenders. I'm never happy conceding goals.

"To build up a stability [in defence] is a big target for next season."

Klopp is looking forward to having Ings available again as well as Daniel Sturridge

Klopp also looked forward to having Ings back from injury, although he would not be drawn on this week's tribunal ruling that Liverpool would have to pay a retrospective £6.5m transfer fee to Burnley for the 23-year-old, plus a further £1.5m add-ons based on appearances.

Ings trained with Liverpool's youngsters on Thursday while the senior squad were preparing for the Europa League semi-final in Spain.

Klopp said: "The first thing, really good news, yesterday he had sessions . I'm not the specialist and I can't say anything on the amount of money.

Jurgen Klopp is impressed with Danny Ings as he nears his return to Liverpool's first team Jurgen Klopp is impressed with Danny Ings as he nears his return to Liverpool's first team

"For a few weeks he's looked really good. It's more important that he is close to being available. I didn't see the session yesterday. We will see what happens."

He warned, however, that he will not rush Ings back at this stage of the season. He said: "Danny is close and we will see if there's an opportunity or if we use the summer break and he starts 100 per cent in pre-season. It's very good for him."

Ings arrived at Anfield last summer but ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during training in October, after just a couple of sessions with Klopp.

Ings has trained with Liverpool's youngsters

"I had something like half an hour with him on the pitch. It's so unlucky I can't believe," said the Liverpool manager.

"Since then I have known more about him as a person than as a professional footballer, if he is as good a player as he is a person we look forward to having him on the pitch.

"It's a very difficult moment in his career. It can help you in building character. He already had a good base in character, but he has developed.

"We will see. We must see whether to use the summer break for improving everything."