LIVERPOOL MUST DO more to assess the root cause of Daniel Sturridge’s injuries as his recurring absence is not a coincidence, says Graeme Souness.
England striker Sturridge has been beset by problems since moving to Anfield in January 2012 with hamstring and thigh complaints the biggest issue.
Shortly after taking over at Liverpool, manager Jurgen Klopp stated that Sturridge must “learn what is serious pain and what is only pain”.
And Souness believes the medical team at Liverpool should do more to explore why Sturridge spends so much time on the sidelines.
“Daniel Sturridge was injured a lot prior to Klopp’s arrival. Sturridge should be the first name on the team sheet because he has great qualities, but he isn’t,” Souness, who played for and managed Liverpool, told Omnisport.
“If he declares himself fit on a Monday and when you’re writing the team out on Friday, you’re not putting the number nine in because you know on a Saturday that Sturridge might not be fit [that's a problem].
So instead of being the first name, he’s going to be the last on the team sheet and it shouldn’t be like that.
“I think they have run into a series of hamstring injuries which may have been self-inflicted, I think that’s maybe something to look at. To have six or seven hamstring injuries all at the same time is not a coincidence.”
Klopp has been in charge since October, but Liverpool are still plagued by the inconsistency that cost predecessor Brendan Rodgers his job.
But the German has led Liverpool to the League Cup final and Souness – who won five league titles with at the club - is confident the former Borussia Dortmund coach will deliver the goods on Merseyside.
“I think he needs three to four transfer windows. He got the job because there was issues and the club wasn’t going in the right direction, so he’ll need the time to make adjustments,” he added.
Transfer windows are big opportunities, apart from coaching every day of the week, bringing in fresh personnel in. He’s had a good chance to look at what he’s got and hasn’t got, he’ll know already who he wants to keep and is ready to let go.
“He’s having a look at some of the youngsters as well, so in my book he’s doing everything right.”
Scousers don’t care about this game. More interested in Utd losing to Spurs.
@Olllie B: No not really you don’t have to be from Liverpool to be scouser. Northern Europe sailors brought a stew recipe to ports in England but mostly Liverpool. The dish was called Lobscouse. Those people in Liverpool who ate it were called Scousers.
Huddersfield fans out in force I see… who knew?
Come on Huddersfield
Well its Huddersfield for me…
If Klopp loses this…he’ll have to walk alone !!
@dannyboy: never!!
@Joe Kennedy: tbf Klopp is a joke at this stage.
But but but No Coutinho??? Ahhhh sure the January transfer window is nearly upon us so his back is probably playing up again
@powerfix: numbskull
If that defence is correct, I give up.
Im not even sure Lovren shagging Klopps missus would put him out of the team, Might be his downfall.
So Lovern’s punishment for being absolutely useless last week and costing his team 2 goals is to be rewarded with another start? The mind boggles
@Brian O’Loughlin: its common knowledge amongst real pool fans that lovern’s Mrs ran off another guy. So idiots here should really give him a break.
$hit happens to everyone from every walk of life. If things happen in your personal life that effect your performance or prevent you from doing your job properly you shouldn’t be there. Would you want a depressed pilot flying your plane? How is putting him in the firing line supposed to help him anyway? If anything it will make him worse
@Mr Nimziki: oh lord. You drop him till his heads right ffs.
@Nial D: so kick a man when he’s down is the answer
Klopp took off Lovren after 30 mins last week but now he’s starting again wttttfff
Sacked by your best man…,you’re getting sacked by your best man … sacked by your besssst mannnnnnnn ..you’re getting sacked by your besssst mannnnnnnnn….
@powerfix: nitwit
@powerfix: Jeez. My 12yr old has more imagination, and he’s far less childish than that. I’d say your parents are very proud.
If we don’t win kiss top 4 goodbye YNWA
@Ollie Watson: that ship sailed ages ago dude. Ye will be lucky to nick Thursday night ball next season.
Well wagner said he best friends with klippty that goal proved it
Is Coutinho dropped?
@Nollaig Elliot: “injured”
Time to get a run going after some recent blips
Glad for Sturidge to score his first goal in two months great player