“I AM someone who wants to play every minute of every match. I am so ambitious, so hungry for success that it is hard to put it into words.”
These sound like the words of a player who is driven, motivated and determined, writes JOEL RABINOWITZ. These are the words of Daniel Sturridge.
But there is a idea, driven by some in the media and which many fans and pundits buy into, that Sturridge has attitude problems. He doesn’t work hard enough. Jurgen Klopp doesn’t rate him. He doesn’t want to be at Liverpool. So they tell you.
When Liverpool conceded in stoppage time to lose 1-0 to Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final first leg, Klopp’s decision to leave Sturridge on the bench was unsurprisingly met with heavy criticism. How can you leave your best striker on the sidelines when scoring an away goal is so valuable? You can guarantee Sturridge will have been extremely disappointed to play no part in the match, especially considering his excellent recent form.
Yet Klopp’s decision to go with Roberto Firmino up front made logical sense in the circumstances. It was a tactical ploy which saw Liverpool win 3-1 at Stamford Bridge and hammer Manchester City 4-1 earlier this season. Firmino was chosen to provide a higher work ethic, to win back possession and buy into the gameplan of staying compact in the first leg. The truth is, it worked for 91 minutes.
Liverpool were on the brink of a highly professional and pragmatic European away performance. If it stays 0-0, the Reds are in the driving seat heading back to Anfield and we’re not talking about the absence of Sturridge. There was Joe Allen’s missed chance early on. The incorrect offside decision against Adam Lallana as he was through on goal. Firmino’s shot which hit the post. Alberto Moreno’s missed chance later on. Fine margins cost Liverpool on the night.
50 – Daniel Sturridge has now scored 50 goals in 87 appearances for Liverpool (all comps). Landmark.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 20, 2016
Not starting Sturridge was understandable. Not bringing him on at any point was more surprising, especially given that Villarreal looked there for the taking if Liverpool had played with more attacking threat. A fresh Sturridge on at 65 minutes against tired legs and you’d fancy him to do the business. As it stands, Liverpool find themselves in a tricky situation heading back to Anfield. If Liverpool do not progress to the final, the decision not to play Sturridge in the first leg will come under further scrutiny.
This all feeds the narrative that Klopp has a personal issue with Sturridge. Whereas in actual fact, Klopp’s man-management of Sturridge has been nothing short of exceptional. We must remember this is a player who has hardly been able to string three games together without breaking down with injury until recently. Since arriving at Liverpool in January 2013, Sturridge has missed 614 days out of 1,121 with 18 different injuries. Klopp made Sturridge undergo a ‘mini pre-season’ to build up his fitness before returning to match action in early February. Since then, Klopp has dealt with him superbly. Getting Sturridge fit and healthy, a regular option, has been an understated achievement in Klopp’s first season in charge.
Last season there was too much pressure placed on Sturridge as soon as he returned from injury. He was expected to be the main man in the absence of Luis Suarez. Klopp has taken a different approach, gradually easing him back into a rhythm of playing football again. 60 minutes here, 30 minutes there. Divock Origi’s breakthrough has relieved the pressure on Sturridge’s shoulders too.
When asked about Sturridge’s performance in the 2-1 victory away vs Bournemouth, Klopp was keen to emphasise the other 10 players and take the limelight off Sturridge. It’s all about the team for Klopp, not individuals. He showed this when selecting Origi ahead of Sturridge against Dortmund in both ties, which paid huge dividends. Sturridge has not been guaranteed a starting spot by Klopp, who has kept him hungry, needing to fight for his place in the side.
The amount of criticism Sturridge regularly receives from fans is rather astonishing given his performances for the club. There are plenty who have suggested Liverpool should sell him in the summer and he remains under-appreciated by many who don’t realise just how good a player he is. The numbers do the talking. His Premier League goals per game ratio is 0.63 — better than Suarez (0.62) and just shy of Torres (0.64).
He is the fourth fastest Liverpool player to reach 50 goals in the post-war era, reaching the landmark in 87 games — many of which came as a substitute and not at full fitness. The notion that Sturridge was made to look a better player because of Luis Suarez is lazy and baseless. He is a brilliant striker in his own right — the only Liverpool player with a legitimate claim of being considered world class.
For a player with such an outstanding goal record, Sturridge hasn’t been loved by the fans in the same way Torres and Suarez were. He’s never truly had a song that sticks from The Kop. He’s often accused of being lazy and arrogant. It’s rather perplexing, to be honest. You can’t help but feel some level of sympathy for the guy.
When Liverpool lost 3-1 to Swansea, Sturridge went straight down the tunnel after applauding the travelling fans. He has often looked sulky when substituted by Klopp. Fans and the media jump on this to feed the narrative of this supposed ‘rift’ between Sturridge and Klopp. Ask yourself the question — do you want your star striker to be happy when he gets taken off or doesn’t play well? Sturridge is a winner. He hates losing. He sets high standards for himself and is disappointed when he doesn’t meet his own expectations. He is human after all.
https://twitter.com/DanielSturridge/status/726773865263800320
Questions remain over his long-term future at the club. Will he accept being benched in the big games for tactical reasons? Should Klopp always play his best player no matter what? Can Sturridge be trusted to buy into Klopp’s philosophy of hard pressing and high work-rate? At this stage, it’s all a guessing game. If you’re convinced Sturridge wants to leave then you can find the evidence for it. It seems almost as if there are people determined to create this scenario where there is a problem between Klopp and Sturridge. The truth is, we simply don’t know what happens behind the scenes.
Sturridge told Klopp at half-time in the Swansea game that he wanted to play 90 minutes. Klopp clarified after the game that everything is ‘good’ with Sturridge, mentioning there are still four days until Villarreal come to Anfield. That will be the acid test — will Sturridge start? Surely he will. He has to. Liverpool need goals and Sturridge is the most likely source. If Klopp does not start him, however, then it will be a clear sign that Sturridge is not the kind of striker Klopp wants in his long-term plans.
If Sturridge is not a part of Klopp’s future plans then that is the manager’s decision. It would be a shame, but Klopp would have his reasons and we should trust him. But we don’t know if that is or isn’t the case. For all we know Klopp has slowly been building Sturridge’s fitness and views him as absolutely integral to his plans for the future.
For now then let’s show him some support. Give him some love. Sing his name for once. Klopp has got Sturridge back and playing football on a weekly basis, something we’ve been yearning for for so long. We are lucky to have a player of his quality. Sometimes you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone. So let’s appreciate Sturridge for what he is — a supremely talented player.
I’m not 100% sure the relationship between Klopp and Studge, I hope it’s a healthy one.
There is no doubt that Studge oozes class, and has a fantastic scoring record for us, he has to stay, but possibly can’t be no. 1 unless he can stay fit – but there isn’t another instinctive strike like him.
Villarreal are probably gonna play compact on Thursday, it may not be park the bus, 10 men goal-side – but I suspect space between their lines and behind will be a scarce.
In these situations you either get it wide and cross, or we have as many quick feet as possible on the pitch. I think Studge is superb at quick feet, at standing a defender up and then dancing to get a yard to shoot – he’s a one or two touch scorer – and we’ll need that in Thursday – but he played 90 on Sunday – doesn’t add up.
Bobby F does track back – but I don’t necessarily want that on Thursday. I just want some boss lads in the box, shooting, dribbling and winning penalties.
Studge had to play. And we are delusional if we think that 40m would replace him. (a) no ones paying that and (b) he’s worth more to us…
It does seem like there seems to be a “get off Studge’s back” story every couple of months at the minute, and the saddest part is that it’s apparently still necessary.
There have been many players in the recent past whose record has been a bat with which to deflect all other criticisms/transgressions, whereas Daniel’s record is the bat with which he is beaten every time he doesn’t hit the heights.
He can be a moody bastard. Body language analysts regularly have a field day with him. But then Kenny was hardly always sunshine and lollipops was he? As Joel rightly points out, I want him to be annoyed at coming off. Considering how much time he’s spent there he probably hates that Anfield bench. His arse groove is so pronounced you could pick it out of a line up.
People say he needs to show he cares more. Well that’s a 2-way street. We need to give the lad a proper fucking song. It’s embarrassing. Considering the naked adulation received by the great Liverpool forwards down the years, he must be wondering what he has to do. Even the shit ones like Titi Camara & Eric Meijer get more love!
Personally, I think Klopp sees how good he can be, but doesn’t fully trust him, or his body yet. I’m not sure Daniel trusts his body right now either. But that will come. I think he was right not to start in Spain, but agree he should have come on to cause 20 minutes of havoc. The only scenarios in which I see him leaving are:
1) If we get a REALLY good offer for him, and we can’t shift Benteke.
2) He announces that he wants to leave.
I can’t see number 2 happening, and I do think we will get some good offers for Benteke. He is a lot more likely to depart, and I severely doubt Klopp would get rid of them both. Good as Danny Ings was at the start of the season, he’s been out for a long time, and could take a while to get it back. Look at Jay Rodriguez, who was similarly lauded and has had a similar injury.
Thankfully I think the changes will be kept to a minimum this summer, and therefore transfer funds will prioritized outside of the striking department.
If we can’t shift Benteke and get a great offer for Sturridge, we should sell Sturridge? Pls tell me that was a typo!
I’m not saying that should happen – far from it! I mean that’s how it could happen, mainly thinking of the “sell before we buy” shenanigans Rafa & Brendan have had to put up with in the past.
Wow, that’d be like selling Suarez because we wanted to shift Sterling but no one wanted him. I hope our club isn’t that stupid.
Totally agree on showing studge some love, he should be starting! He should have started on Thursday! Couthino was struggling, we can afford to have one flair player in the squad because of that they give going forward! In relation to work rate, he fit the pressing style under Rogers! It’s a myth that he can’t close space and players down!
“The truth is, it worked for 91 minutes.” Eh? It worked for 60. From there, we should have been looking at any away goal which would have put us well and truly in the box seat. If drawing 0-0 away with a side that offered little is a sign of our plan working then it was a shit plan.
I think most people were fine with him not starting but I can’t think of another team in Europe that leaves it best player, in-form at that, on the bench for 90 mins. It was inexplicable at the time, and it’s inexplicable now.
Klopp messed up. Hopefully that will be irrelevant Friday
It feels from my point of view that Klopp has being trying to deconstruct this notion built up around Sturridge during his 18 month lay out which made him into this world class striker without the player not actually improving on the field due to the injuries.
This is the best thing to happen to Sturridge if he wants to improve to the next level. He has to respond in the same way that he arrived at the club back in 2013.
As for the fans treatment over him well there seems to be a pattern with players that are self confident not going down well with the players. Sterling, McManaman and Owen have encounter this situation. I feel that’s the way it is really so the fans can complain when that player decides to leave the club and the player can’t complain if the fans don’t chant there name.
If he doesn’t play on Thursday I’ll be worried. My one reservation about Klopp is that he might privilege hard work over quality. But teams need stardust and Daniel’s our stardust. I don’t want a team of Roundheads.
I’m not gonna lie, if he doesn’t play Thursday I’d be very worried. At the same time I’m very confident he will. Sunday lunchtime to Thursday evening is not far off a week. We’re all jumping to conclusions about him playing against Swansea, as per.
Naturally, I’m as bad as anyone but I’m growing increasingly uneasy about the fans criticism of Klopp. He should be doing this, he should be doing that. This is the way to win the Europa cup blah, blah, blah. Klopp’s a winner because he understands football at a much higher level than us fans who always take the obvious approach. If it was that straight forward then everyone would be winning the league and cups. I fully trust Klopp’s judgement. He’ll certainly get more right than he’ll get wrong and he’ll certainly get more right than any of us would if we were the manager. We were unlucky to concede so late in the game last week. Obviously, the team could have done better in the minute around the goal but we were close to bringing them back here knowing we only had to win.
Regarding Sturridge, I’m not convinced he’s following Klopp’s instructions. I’ve seen him gesture to get higher up the pitch. I regularly see him on the half way line with 5 team mates in front and I often see him out wide for long spells. Maybe Klopp didn’t want this approach at Villareal.
I think Klopp is the best manager that we could possibly have and he has improved a squad that is not of his making considerably, more than the results show I think because of a ridiculous run of injuries exacerbated by having several players out on loan who are considerably better than the guys that play in our “second” team.
But he said himself he is not Jesus. Last week, he left his best player on the bench for 90 minutes in a European final. I think most people thought that was a mistake at the time and so it proved. I would have still thought it was a mistake if it had ended 0-0. Yes, Klopp knows more than the fans, but does he know more than all the other top managers, none of whom I can recall pulling the same stunt, even with better alternatives. Sometimes, the obvious option is the best one. Play your best players, buy a better keeper, don’t let Lovren take a penalty.
“Klopp’s a winner because he understands football at a much higher level than us fans who always take the obvious approach. If it was that straight forward then everyone would be winning the league and cups. I fully trust Klopp’s judgement.”
Nail on the head. The rationale for playing Firmino against Villareal was sound, but the errors committed for the goal could not have been legislated for.
well said
One minor correction, Firmino did not hit the post last week in Villareal. The keeper turned a good, low shot onto the post that was goal bound.
That is all.
Worth noting that Sturridge wasn’t fit for the Chelsea or City away wins, so seems a pointless observation. If he’d been fit and Klopp didn’t pick him for those games then comparisons could be made, but… He’s our best striker, he scores goals, we need him in the first 11.
Looking forward to seeing Daniel start on Thursday as we set about the tough task of breaking down a stingy defence that is intent on being impregnable. We need goals and we need the special gifts that Coutinho, Lallana and Sturridge bring in tight places. It’s not going to be easy but we will create chances and we will have the man best able to convert them. Okay, everyone breathe in, hold it, exhale slowly. Ynwa.
Its hard to know what side of the fence to be with this fella. Best player at the club, phenomenal scoring record, boss goal celebration. Also terrible injury record, rumours of attitude problem not helped by general face-ache, talks to papers about leaving us.
After nearly 2 years getting his legs rubbed in exotic locations for 6 figures a week, it would be nice to read quotes along the lines of “lfc have been great, cant wait to show new boss what I can do, desperate to win a trophy for the fans, etc”
I know the tabloids only pick bits out a long interview, and we all need our heads feeling for even believing a word of what they print, but FFS Daniel !!!
Didn’t enjoy seeing those headlines. I do think we are lucky to have him though cos if he had been fit all season 14/15 he would prob scored 30 odd and been off to spain.
Hope he scores a hat-trick on Thursday.
I’d rather Sturridge speak the truth and be real rather than the tripe Hummels said to his fans for years!
“This all feeds the narrative that Klopp has a personal issue with Sturridge. Whereas in actual fact, Klopp’s man-management of Sturridge has been nothing short of exceptional.”
This is a very good point worth repeating. Again and again.
Personally. I don’t think Studge fits Klopp’s all-action game plan. At the same time, I’m a huge fan of the Studge and hope that Klopp can find a way to make it work.
I do know this, however. If there is a way to make it work, Klopp will find it.
If not, it will hurt to see Studge move on, but I know Klopp will take Liverpool forward.
That’s the hope the German has instilled in me. I still pinch myself: Klopp’s our manager. The man knows what he’s doing.
Of course, he’ll make (more) mistakes. But he won’t judge things prematurely and will make decisions with the whole picture in mind. Klopp is wildly emotional at times but is disarmingly calculated when needed.
I disagreed with his decision not to bring on Studge against Villareal, but it took a different kind of ice in the veins to stick to the plan he believed in and leave the striker on the bench.
Brilliant article and absolutely correct in your opinions. Thursday’s result was a good one until 30 seconds to go. My old man was disgruntled Sturridge didn’t get on and have 25/30 mins to have a go at them. I understood his point, and yours too, but had it finished 0-0, then I doubt there would have been much discussion about not bringing Sturridge on.
As for all the ‘breakdown in relationship’ bullshit……….well, it’s exactly that. Returning from the best part of two years out with injury, he’s got to be treated with care and Klopp has done that brilliantly. I fully expect Sturridge to start on Thursday, us blow Villarreal out of the water in the first 45 mins and then he’ll ‘rest’ him by taking him off after 60 mins when the game is safe/won.
And make no mistake, he’ll still be our no. 1 striker next season. His goal ratio will clearly make him our no. 1.
Personally, I think that being 1 down will electrify the night and push us on. YNWA
So many mind readers and wannabe managers in our fanbase. Yawn…
I feel like maybe you are missing the point of a comments section…
I’ll be very disappointed if he doesn’t start especially as Bob Firmino is struggling at the moment. Granted Dan wasn’t great at Swansea (far from it actually) but then who was?
Think we need to let go off those Chelsea and City results when Dan wasn’t available anyway. Both 6 months ago now, move on.
Not sure of the relationship between Sturridge & Klopp but hopefully Jurgen is being cautious with his fitness. I would also hope Jurgen is communicating this with Dan. You never want your better players to be happy on the bench but Dan needs to understand this after all of his injuries. I dread what happens when The Hodge gets his wrinkly old hands on him.
Long term. Will be very interesting. Maybe it is destined to end in his sale. Would be a loss but you have to back Klopp’s transfer record. Part of me hope our deliberate lack of movement in January was from Klopp telling his scouts in October what his ideals were and to go away until June making sure they were as thorough as possible in their searches.
Sturridge’s lack of a song and seeming lack of support/distrust has always troubled me a bit. I think he wants and needs to be loved. Yeah he looks a bit sulky, yeah he’s a Christian, yeah his dance is shit but…he’s one of us!
2-0 tonight. Coutinho, Sturridge.
Close….