Sturridge, he added, had joined pre-season later than the others who had built up an understanding. “Actually, why should I think about something like this?” he said, before explaining that while “Daniel Sturridge is a wonderfully skilful player”, he had picked his forwards based on the Tottenham defence they would face, and their readiness.
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“There’s no big mountain for him”.
Jurgen Klopp wanted to make it clear – this wasn’t “now-or-never” time for Daniel Sturridge.
Liverpool’s new starting left back is adjusting on the fly and learning his position as fast as he can.
Klopp has played down Sturridge’s comments over his position and insisted there is “no problem” between him and the forward. What changed my opinion on our improvement was the fact we have taken four points from two games against half of the teams which finished in the top four last season. “But for the game today, I made the decision that the kind of defending what it was and for what we needed”.
“Nobody has real rhythm”.
But it was down the hosts’ right flank – now occupied by Eric Dier – that Liverpool found a breakthrough three minutes before half-time.
This serves to highlight the positive work done by Klopp and his backroom staff, with newly appointed head of fitness and conditioning Andreas Kornmayer no doubt playing a major role.
“We played not well but better – we competed a lot, which is important so I am pleased”.
‘I think I have adapted throughout my career to playing different positions and this one is different as well. “He’s a brilliant footballer”, the manager said. “We made one mistake in and around the goal for their goal”, Klopp said.
Jordan Henderson is an apt captain for this team only insofar as he is a diligent jack of all trades. Maybe Emre Can will conduct the team more knowingly from midfield when fit.
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Arsenal’s (26.6) average squad age is more than a year older than Tottenham’s while Watford’s (29.8) ageing players represent the oldest squad in the division.
