Reds striker unhappy with critics
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has hit back at critics who have questioned the 26-year-old’s commitment, after an injury-plagued season.
It has been a relatively successful campaign for the former Chelsea man, who has netted 11 goals in 21 games for the Reds this term, in a stop-start campaign that has been hindered by injuries.
Jurgen Klopp has named the England striker in the starting XI on just three occasions in the last seven games, leading some to question whether it is his work rate that is stopping the boss from selecting him in his starting line-ups.
The German has been trying to implement a high-pressing style of football, that was successful with his former club Borussia Dortmund, since arriving at the club back in October, which has led to questions about Sturridge’s work ethic.
“The majority, probably 95 per cent of the people who talk and say things about me, don’t actually know me.” said Sturridge.
“Even some of the people who’ve played with me don’t actually know me. Because they’re a team-mate, doesn’t necessarily mean we’re friends or we talk outside of work.
“But anybody who knows me will know that I’m one of the most ambitious people out there.”
Living the dream
Sturridge insists he is not prepared to just warm the bench and pick up his wages, and will do all he can to cement himself in Klopp’s plans to include him in the starting XI.
“And for people to say, ‘Oh he don’t try enough or he doesn’t want to be fit’… do you honestly believe I’d want to just be sat down picking up wages when I’ve dreamt of being a professional footballer ever since I can remember?
“I don’t think I’d want to be here now, just to be sitting in my apartment, twiddling my thumbs every day – because pretty much that’s what I do.
“I can’t go out, really. I’m not here having fun with all my mates. I live alone. My family’s close but all my friends live down south. I’m here to work. I’m not here to have fun.
“I’m not here for a jolly-up. Liverpool, for me, is work. It’s a job. It’s something I take seriously and for anyone to question my integrity, it’s disrespectful.”
Most importantly, Sturridge is keen to get enough game time to ensure England boss Roy Hodgson selects him for his European Championship squad this summer.
