Klopp revealed that Sturridge, who returned to training at Melwood on Wednesday, should be back in contention when they go head-to-head with the Tigers at Anfield looking to record a third straight Premier League victory.
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They have scored 19 goals so far (compared to five over the first seven matches last season), from 10 different players, and appear to be gathering momentum with three successive wins and a five-game unbeaten run. I don’t think he has been as poor as some people make out.
“I knew before the season I was not fit for the first game so it was normal I didn’t play and was on the bench”.
Klopp watched the draw live and told Liverpool’s official website: “I was waiting for the draw and then saw West Ham – Chelsea, a little smile to be honest; then Manchester United – City, oh nice, another smile”.
“It will be hard. It was a hard time [for him], I know this but, like all the others, he’s on a really good way and everybody can see this, I’m pretty sure”, Klopp added.
But Klopp is unperturbed and his trademark grin remains firmly fixed on his face.
Jurgen Klopp praised his Liverpool players for a job well done after they eased to a 3-0 win over Derby County in the EFL Cup – but insisted there is still room for improvement. Simon Mignolet had played every game up to that point after the new signing broke his hand in a pre-season game against Chelsea.
Karius was relatively untroubled at Derby but did impress with his sweeping abilities having regularly taken a starting position just outside the penalty area.
“I don’t want to say anything about Hull because we first have to play them, but if we create a chance against Burnley and you miss it, it’s not a positive – it’s a negative for everybody”.
“I said already this is a very important tournament for us”.
“It’s a decision at a high level because I’m really happy with both of them”.
“That’s always the same, so you have to wait and see”.
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Klopp is also optimistic that striker Daniel Sturridge will be available against Hull, who are 12th in the table, after injury.
