Klopp believes Sturridge must “adapt” to a new, more intense way of training.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has aimed a thinly veiled dig an injury-ravaged striker Daniel Sturridge, who is set for another spell on the sidelines.
Liverpool became the second English side to book their place in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday night, following Tottenham into the knockout stages courtesy of a 2-1 comeback win against Bordeaux.
Liverpool will await the results of a scan on yet another Daniel Sturridge injury before deciding the next course of action for the striker.
We have to accept the situation and the situation is that Danny was very often injured in the last few months, maybe years. Now we can say it’s not that serious but he still can’t go on as before.
But provided Christian Benteke is able to play a second game in four days following his own recent injury problems, Klopp – who is also without long-term absentee Danny Ings and suspended midfielder Lucas Leiva – insists he is not concerned about his attacking resources.
Klopp said: “I haven’t been here that long but I understand what everybody is saying”. I think we were the active team in this game.
“The [Mignolet] free-kick… I am long in this business and never had a time-play after 25 minutes from the team with more ball possession”, he added.
The 48-year-old admitted he has been a long-term admirer of Benteke’s talents and is confident he can emulate the likes of Lewandowski and Aubameyang if afforded the patience he considers rare in the Premier League.
The Swans have won one of their last nine Premier League games and are in danger of joining the relegation battle as they continue their slide down the table after they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth last weekend.
Asked if Sturridge could play on Sunday, Klopp said: “I don’t really know if Daniel has a chance”.
“I am waiting for him, that is what I told him”.
“We will try everything when we travel to Sion in two weeks, but there are 50 games between then and now”. But this week’s been about concentrating the players on getting back to what they do best.
“I’m very happy because I think it’s good news”.
“We want to win the group, that’s the most important thing, that’s the objective”.
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“If I want to know something about Liverpool I can read Marco Polo [travel guide]”.
