Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reinforced his support of star striker Daniel Sturridge, in the wake of an underwhelming return to Premier League action at the weekend.
The notoriously injury-prone marksman has experienced a torrid time in recent years, only producing bursts of brilliance as he struggles to recapture the form and consistency that saw him engineer a near-unstoppable striking partnership with Luis Suarez during the Reds’ outstanding 2013-14 campaign.
A hip injury ruled the 26-year-old out of Liverpool’s incredible opener against Arsenal, and after being restored to the starting XI for the matchday two clash with Burnley, Sturridge failed to lift his side to a similar performance, going down 2-0 in a match where his side held over 70% of possession.
“Daniel is still a very quick player but he’s had a lot of injuries in the last few years and a few muscle issues. I have no idea how this exactly changes the mind of a player,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
“He is still on the way back but he is still an outstanding player and even an outstanding player needs rhythm.
“Saturday was not the best game of football Daniel has ever played, but even in a game like this he could have scored.”
Much has been discussed in regards to Klopp’s conservative treatment of the England international, however, the German is confident that his approach will bear a positive outcome.
“I don’t compare him with the younger Daniel Sturridge. He is a really good player with all you need when he is fit,” said Klopp.
“Obviously there is a bit I can do to help him (psychologically), but you have to accept as a manager that it is really rare you can say 100% what a player wants to hear.”
“What I can say to any player is that what always happens is those who stay in the race and work really hard will get the benefit. That is how it is.”
The Reds are back in action early this week, as they take on Championship side Burton in the EFL Cup.
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