It’s the last call for Sturridge…
DANIEL STURRIDGE has been given a final chance by Jurgen Klopp to save his Liverpool career.
The England striker’s time at Anfield looked over when he was allowed to join West Brom on loan for the second half of last season.
Klopp felt he could not rely on Sturridge because of his injury record and he managed only a handful of games as the Baggies were relegated.
But Sturridge, 28, is back in favour at Anfield and manager Klopp has been delighted with both his attitude and performances in pre-season, in which he has scored three goals. The player’s £120,000-a-week contract is up next June but Klopp will give him the opportunity to earn a new deal.
Sturridge has been promoted back up the pecking order above Danny Ings and Divock Origi, who are set to leave.
Klopp feels a revitalised Sturridge can be an important player for him, especially with so many of Liverpool’s big names reporting back late for pre-season because of the World Cup.
Klopp praised Sturridge during the club’s US tour, saying: “He’s in very good shape. He has been part of pretty much all the sessions in a very intense pre-season so far.
“Who doubts Daniel Sturridge when he’s fit? I don’t. He is an outstanding player, hopefully he can stay fit and the future is bright. He’s
young enough. It’s not like he’s a thirtysomething.”
Sturridge is relishing his new lease of life and said: “I love it here. I love the lads and the banter in the group is unbelievable. I feel at home again.”
Adam Lallana, meanwhile, says Gareth Southgate was right to axe him for the World Cup.
Southgate phoned him to explain he had been left out because he barely figured last season due to injury.
Lallana understood and said: “Gareth has been absolutely brilliant. It probably wasn’t a comfortable call for him, but he still made it, as he did for the other lads who missed out.
“I know that if my season had been different and I had been fit, I would have been there. But it was probably the right call. “The lads had a massive tournament, but I’m sure I have still got a lot to give. I’ll be there in the next camp.”
Southgate says Lallana remains a key player for him and the midfielder was heartened by his words.
“I still feel that’s the case,” he said. “Now I’m back in pre-season, three weeks down the line. The next goal is the first Premier League game against West Ham and I want to be in the best possible shape for it. I want to play good football again.”
Lallana, 30, got over his huge disappointment to cheer England on to the semi-finals and was delighted for close pal Jordan Henderson.
“I was supporting them like any other fan,” he said. “Jordan was one of the best players and it was great to see him do so well. To get to the semi-finals was a remarkable achievement.”
Who doubts Daniel when he is fit?