Daniel Sturridge Hails Jurgen Klopp

 

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge admits he has had to endure the most intense pre-season of his career under Jurgen Klopp this summer. The 26yearold, who missed much of last season through injury, returned to club duty last week following a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign with England.

Sturridge joined up with the majority of his team-mates at the club's training base in California last week, as Liverpool continue their pre-season tour of the United States and the former Manchester City and Chelsea man admits he has been pushed to the limits by Klopp's training sessions.

He said “It has been a lot of hard work, running sessions and tactical sessions, I am feeling fresh. Pre-season is about pushing your body to the limits and it is one of those things where you have to battle and push yourself through the sessions. It is probably the most intense pre-season I have experienced at any club. It is certainly something everyone is getting used to and something which will hopefully put us in good stead for the rest of the season. I think there is more emphasis on tactics because there is time to develop but it will take time.”

Sturridge made just 14 league appearances for the Reds last season after missing the start of the campaign through injury. He was also ruled out for two months midway through the season after picking up a hamstring problem. The striker was criticised by some for his lack of game time last term but Sturridge insists he pays no attention to the negative comments about his fitness.