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Benteke hasn't been able to convince Jurgen Klopp. Adam Davy

Out of favour Benteke vents his frustration at Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

The striker says he’s confused as to why the manager ‘ignores’ him.

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE HAS admitted he cannot understand why he’s not Liverpool’s first choice striker under Jurgen Klopp.

The Belgian has vented his frustration at the lack of opportunity he’s been given at Anfield and suggested he regrets moving to the club having fallen out of favour.

The £32.5 million forward, signed from Aston Villa at the start of the season, has made just six Premier League starts for the Reds since Klopp has taken charge.

“Some team-mates have said that I was lucky with the arrival of Klopp, because I certainly would play,” he told Sport/Voetbal Magazine.

“When your coach says he wanted to take you to Dortmund and a little later you sit at the same club and he ignores you it is hard to understand.

“Since I went to England in 2012, I’ve never been on the bench for such a long period. It hurts, especially since I never was as fit as I am now.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Barclays Premier League - Selhurst Park Benteke has scored seven league goals this term. Adam Davy Adam Davy

“I’m the first to admit that I haven’t shown my worth enough for a team like Liverpool. On the other hand, under Brendan Rodgers, I knew I would get the opportunity to show my qualities, to show that I was worth the money and that I deserved to wear the shirt of Liverpool.”

With Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and even Divock Origi ahead of him in the pecking order, Benteke has been unable to make the impact he would have liked in his debut season on Merseyside.

With West Ham publicly declaring their interest in the striker, speculation over his future will intensify but the 25-year-old is determined to prove his worth to Klopp.

“In January, I didn’t want to leave. It’s my desire to succeed at Liverpool. I want to continue. At the end of the season, we will take stock.”

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