The Liverpool boss refused to entertain suggestions regarding the striker's future as he feels there's absolutely nothing in the assertion that he is considering an Anfield exit
Jurgen Klopp has batted away reports claiming Daniel Sturridge wants out of Liverpool, saying they are based on suggestions, not fact, as the striker edges closer to his comeback.
The 26-year-old returned to full training this week and is in line to be involved in next Tuesday’s FA Cup fourth round replay at West Ham should he not suffer any further setbacks.
The England international has not featured since December 6 after picking up a hamstring strain at Newcastle, before nursing several muscle issues while undertaking a specialised fitness programme.
Reports on Friday detailed that Sturridge was unhappy with Liverpool’s representation of his injury problems and that he was considering an exit from the club.
When asked to comment on such claims at Melwood, Klopp responded: “Daniel Sturridge said this? No? Why should I think about suggestions? Who suggested this? If somebody wants to ask me something that they’ve heard from Daniel Sturridge, they can ask me, but not about suggestions. I’m not interested in suggestions, there’s absolutely nothing.
“Daniel has been back in training and that’s great for the last two days so everything looks good in this moment. It’s normal football training, which is good for us and good for him. [The] day before yesterday, he was together with Phil [Coutinho] and Divock [Origi] in training, when you see these three players then you know what you’ve missed over the past few weeks.”
Asked whether the speculation has been a distraction or frustrating to contend with, Klopp firmly replied: “The Daniel story? There is no story. How can it be a story? You cannot create stories and ask me about it if you are just suggesting something. That is not too cool. It’s absolutely not frustrating, it’s not interesting.”
The Reds boss believes that Sturridge is on board with the steps Liverpool have taken to ensure his strength and resistance are increased. He also settled the subject of discussing the striker’s setbacks and wants to forget about Sturridge’s injury history and focus on getting the best out of him in future.
Klopp said: “I think he is [on board with the club], absolutely. You ask questions, I give answers. Most of the things I wouldn’t speak about if you didn’t ask it. Obviously we’ve had a few problems in the past with his injuries, not just since I’m here and that’s a part of the truth of course.
“But that’s the past and it would be cool if we could leave it there and start new now. I’ve said it before that what Daniel and every player needs is consistent training to be fit for Premier League football. We’ve tried everything we could to bring him in this shape and now we are in the moment when we hopefully can get the benefit of this work.”
When asked whether Sturridge would be in contention for Saturday’s hosting of Sunderland, Klopp responded: “No, because of [not enough] training. It’s been two days of training, today will be his third but it’s not an intensive session.
“It’s always difficult because when you see Divock, Phil and Daniel in training, after five minutes you think maybe you need to bring them back in the squad.
“But that’s the moment to say ‘come on’; there are another three sessions which we can use and they are available for West Ham, that’s the idea in this moment if nothing happens in the next session.”
Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel will need an extended recovery period. The centre-back, who was forced off at Watford on December 20 with a hamstring injury and was in line to start training at Melwood this weekend, has hurt himself further.
Klopp said: “We had the problem with Martin Skrtel, a little bit re-injured. He needs another two or three weeks, we have to see.”
Midfielder Joe Allen, meanwhile, has suffered a small knock to his shoulder, which will be assessed ahead of the weekend.
- Goal