I’VE NOTHING AGAINST STURRIDGE – KLOPP

The former Borussia Dortmund's coach, Jurgen Klopp insists "all will be good" with Daniel Sturridge notwithstanding the England international's benching in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham in August.


The 27-year old seemed displeased on the bench as he came on in the dying minutes of the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane on Saturday 27th of August.

Sturridge was substituted in the 23rd minute for the injured Adam Lallana during their tough 2-1 victory against the struggling Swansea City on Saturday. The report has it that the Englishman's performance was not up to par as he was later shown a yellow card for simulating in the 39th minute.

Sturridge was substituted out at the 65th minute in his side's loss at Burnley before their clash with Spurs, but dropped to the bench as Sadio Mane returned. The Reds' coach is convinced the 27-year-old has an important role to play in his team, pointing to a need for a pressing game against Tottenham.

"Daniel Sturridge is a wonderfully skilful player. But for the game, I made the decision on the kind of defending to be played and for what we needed," he said. “In the last game against Tottenham at home he made an outstanding game so it's possible”

"But the fact that I can only pick 11 players for the start, I make these decisions never against one player or in favour of the other, so I'm really happy that we have him and he will play, he will score and all will be good."

Sturridge encountered an injury during the pre-season, hurting his hip in early August. The coach made it clear that it was another reason for the forward's absence, with Sturridge having played just 67 of a possible 270 Premier League minutes to start the season.