Klopp cool on Sturridge injury

Klopp believes Sturridge must “adapt” to a new, more intense way of training.

Liverpool became the second English side to book their place in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday night, following Tottenham into the knockout stages courtesy of a 2-1 comeback win against Bordeaux.

Liverpool will await the results of a scan on yet another Daniel Sturridge injury before deciding the next course of action for the striker.

“We have to accept the situation, he’s often been injured in the last few months, maybe years”, Klopp said.

“Everyone wants him back on the pitch but we all have to learn”, said Klopp. We always have to react to a situation that is completely normal after a long injury.

The German has made allowances for the amount of time Sturridge has been sidelined, but admits the England worldwide can not be given an extended period to recover because they are deep into the season. But five weeks in a row without playing means he needs matches.

The 48-year-old admitted he has been a long-term admirer of Benteke’s talents and is confident he can emulate the likes of Lewandowski and Aubameyang if afforded the patience he considers rare in the Premier League.

The absence of a midfielder who can dictate tempo and provide a calming influence may be something for Klopp to look at in future transfer windows, but for now, getting a first league win at home under Klopp will do.

We only signed Christian Benteke last summer, but after Klopp was installed as manager in early October, some of the fans were already wondering about his future.

“There is no doubt about the quality of all the strikers that we have, no doubt, now we have to help them to show it better and better”, he added.

“[Finishing] top of the table is important, but not the most important thing because there are only good teams in the next round”.

“I understand why everyone is waiting”.

“It was a big fight, so we’re very satisfied because the easy games everybody can win”.

He told Liverpool’s official website: “I’m very happy because I think it’s good news”. Talk about performances, football in general, what went well, what didn’t go well, what has to be improved and how we go about that as a group.