Jurgen Klopp will not give Daniel Sturridge special treatment even though he believes the striker’s barren run in the Premier League has left a mark.
Sturridge has not scored in the Premier League since April 23, a run that adds up to more than 600 minutes. His only goals so far this season for Liverpool were a double strike at Burton in the first round of the League Cup on August 23.
With Adam Lallana fit after a groin problem and Georginio Wijnaldum also pushing for a recall following a hamstring issue, Sturridge’s place in the starting line up for this evening’s clash with West Brom is under threat, particularly as he struggled against Manchester United on Monday.
Klopp recognises that Sturridge is at his best when his confidence is burgeoning but Liverpool’s manager has made it clear the onus is on the 26-year-old to battle through this period and change things for the better on his own.
‘It’s like when you have a problem,’ said Klopp. ‘You don’t want someone coming up to you all the time, tapping your shoulder, and they say “hey, it’s all right! You can do it!” I respect these guys. I know they know. So let’s go through.
‘Most of his time in his life, football has been so easy because he is so skilled. The right moment, easy goal. The job to do for him, for all of us, is not to think when he had a moment like this. It’s about normal work. I cannot work only with players who are 100 per cent confident, in the best shape.
‘If I could only work with them, I’d be standing here alone. Every player struggles. Little problem here, little problem there. Daniel is an outstanding player. There is no doubt about that. We had a game against Manchester United and, yes, it was not easy for him.’ Sturridge failed to have a shot on target in that goalless draw but Klopp said: ‘We didn’t play well, he didn’t play with 100 per cent confidence.
‘We can all see this. He is doing what all players have to do in the moments like this, keeping working.’
Klopp says Sturridge’s general play is not an issue and he pointed to a moment in the 4-1 win over Leicester last month, when a stunning back heel created an opening for Sadio Mane to score.
‘The goal against Leicester was the goal of the season so far,’ said Klopp. ‘It was the kind of movement we have been working on.’
Daily Mail