Liverpool

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: 'I will not use Daniel Sturridge like an orange'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 20 April 2016

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists that he will not use Daniel Sturridge 'like an orange' while managing the striker's game time.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he knows how to manage Daniel Sturridge's game time in order to keep the striker fit.

The 26-year-old was plagued by injuries in the first half of the season, but has since returned to the side in goalscoring form.

The England international has scored in his last two Premier League games, and also helped create opportunities in the Reds' dramatic comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League last week.

Klopp continues to interchange Sturridge and Divock Origi in his first XI, but the German coach has claimed that he will not use the former 'like an orange'.

"If you think Daniel Sturridge can play from the first to the last minute in the last nine games, fine," the Liverpool Echo quotes Klopp as saying. "Yes, he is in brilliant shape. I know it. The best thing for us, for him and for England for the European Championships is to keep him in the best shape since I have been here.

"Now we can say 'Oh my God, Daniel is back, let's push him through all these games!' Yeah? If you think that is right, write it. If not, don't ask me anymore. We will do what we think.

"But still, after this long period, you cannot use him as an orange and take each little bit of the juice."

Liverpool will take on their Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield this evening.