Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp heaps praise on Daniel Sturridge, which could signal bad news for Newcastle and West Ham’s pursuit of the striker.
Jurgen Klopp says that Daniel Sturridge is in the “best condition” he has seen since he became Liverpool manager back in October 2015.
Sturridge has been impressing Klopp during pre-season and has featured in both of the Reds’ friendlies so far and is also expected to play against Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Wednesday (July 19).
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring their second goal
“Daniel has been a part of full pre-season so far,” the German told the Liverpool Echo.
“It’s been quite intense but he’s been part of pretty much every session.
“It’s the best condition I’ve seen from him since I’m here. I came in October 2015 and Daniel, I think, was probably injured.
“Last pre-season was after a tournament and only a short break. But this year he has had a proper break and is in a good physical shape, absolutely.”
Sturridge has made 49 appearances in all competitions since Klopp took charge at Anfield, with his game time once again hampered by injury.
It lead to speculation that the striker would be leaving the Merseyside club this summer, with the Express linking him with West Ham United and the Chronicle claiming the England international had been offered to Newcastle United.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Daniel Sturridge as he prepares to come on
Yet this latest vote of confidence from Klopp suggests that Sturridge may still have a part to play under him – especially after the 27-year-old turned down a move to Beijing Guoan on deadline day in China; according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Englishman has been a prolific scorer for Liverpool, with 61 goals in 119 games, so this latest development could come as a blow to Newcastle and West Ham.
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