However, Klopp was delighted with Sturridge’s performance at St Mary’s, and speaking to Sky Sports after the game, claimed that by using the Englishman sparingly, it would keep him fit and firing.
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Joe Allen’s first-time pass over the top released Sturridge and although the striker’s first touch allowed Steven Caulker to get back into position, he quickly shifted the ball onto his left foot and drilled home. I know the situation of the club.
“We have to defend well and then we can use his pace, and that’s what we did with the next two goals – and it was a flawless cross from young Brad Smith [for the sixth goal]”.
While there is no denying the talent that Sturridge brings to the table, the likes of Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney would argue they are the country’s best.
In progressing to the semi-finals against Stoke, Liverpool have avoided potentially more hard draws against Everton or Manchester City, but Klopp pointed to his team’s recent 4-1 win at City as proof they need not be concerned about facing them, and insisted that Stoke City remain a significant challenge.
There is often nothing more risky than a striker with a point to prove as Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi showed in Liverpool’s League Cup mauling of Southampton yesterday.
Klopp, who replaced Ulsterman Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield hotseat in October, said: “This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about this (Daniel Sturridge’s fitness)”.
“I said to him after the game: ‘Now I know what everybody’s talking about, ‘” Klopp said.
When Sadio Mane headed Southampton into the lead just 39 seconds into their League Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on 2 December, Southampton fans cheered, for they thought this was to be their night. “I don’t like that because I like to go forward, but we will speak about that tomorrow with the players, about what’s the best to do to prepare ourselves for Saturday”.
Klopp celebrated reaching his first semi-final as Liverpool boss against the Saints.
“The second half was my responsibility because it was my decision to play three at the back”. Such was Liverpool’s dominance, both against City and in their win over Southampton, that Klopp was more than happy to lay into the Manchester club.
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“(It was) great play by Liverpool”, he said.
