Klopp poised to call upon Sturridge for the first time

Jurgen Klopp has said he is close to deploying Daniel Sturridge for the first time in his Liverpool reign but has no dilemma over accommodating the strikers at his disposal.

Sturridge was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s mauling of Manchester City on Saturday, with Christian Benteke also starting on the bench as Klopp fielded Roberto Firmino at the centre of his three-pronged attack.

The Liverpool manager, who had only Divock Origi available at the start of his Anfield tenure with Danny Ings also sidelined by injury, has seen his striking options finally improve in the past week and may give Sturridge game-time against Bordeaux tonight.

Liverpool will qualify for the knockout stage with a win or a goalless draw at Anfield.

Klopp’s priority, however, is the development of his team following the 4-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. “What is most important is having 11 players who can work and who are together on the pitch,” he said. “Not having four strikers on the pitch in the hope of scoring more goals. It is about creating these moments to score.

“The best news at the moment is Daniel is getting closer and closer. He can train seven or eight times in a row which is the longest period since I’ve been here.”

Decision

The Liverpool manager, who could be without the ill Martin Skrtel and will be without Philippe Coutinho against Bordeaux, added: “Daniel’s had another three or four sessions since Saturday which is important. My decision [on the team] you will see tomorrow but the most important thing is he can train without problems. We will see in the game if we have a good feeling for him to have a few minutes or more.”

Klopp was asked by a French journalist for his thoughts on Willy Sagnol, the former Bayern Munich defender who took charge of Bordeaux last year, his first coaching role at club level.

“I know he was one of the best full-backs I ever saw,” the Liverpool manager replied. “He played sometimes in a German style, whatever that is. But it doesn’t matter who is on the touchline, it is about the players on the pitch. He was a world class full back. I was a non-league full-back. We’ll see what works better.”

(Guardian service)