Jurgen Klopp has hilariously compared Daniel Sturridge to an orange, vowing not to “squeeze all his juice”. Twice denied by the post in the second half, the former Chelsea man could easily have scored four overall.
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Klopp was happy with Sturridge’s display, but bristled at the notion that he should be the principal talking point after the win.
He said: “If you think Daniel Sturridge can play from the first to the last minute in the last nine games, fine. No one is guaranteed a place, you just have to keep your head down and work hard and the manager might pick you”, he said. He’s a brilliant player, but are you not interested in the game? He is still a brilliant, big, big talent and good for English football He did well today.
Klopp, however, saw things differently, and when Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror put it to him that Sturridge was the most influential player on the pitch, Klopp’s mood soon soured… It’s a team game.
“I think there were three (refereeing decisions that went against us) in total and referee (Mike Jones) has made his call”, he added.
In both Europa League games Sturridge was used from the bench but he has recently completed 90 minutes against both Bournemouth and Stoke – while there have been times when he has been withdrawn on the hour-mark. Are you really working in sports?
The Liverpool defence, well marshalled by Lucas Leiva, held firm and Klopp’s side grew into the game with Joe Allen becoming increasingly influential in midfield. We live on different planets.
“Always when I say something, you make like this [shaking your head]”. You can’t just say: ‘OK, let’s switch it on.
“Now we have two more Premier League games before Villarreal so we don’t even think about the Europa League yet”. I heard there were some problems with me and Jordon Ibe, which there are not.
“Divock and Daniel have shown they can play together”.
“Kolo’s problem is a little bit more”.
Yes. He really is in really good shape.
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“I’m disappointed not to get a clean sheet but that’s football – it can change in an instant”.
