‘I did not know Daniel Sturridge was that good’ – Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he did not fully appreciate Daniel Sturridge’s ability until he saw him in Wednesday’s 6-1 demolition of Southampton in the League Cup.

The 26-year-old scored the Reds’ first two goals at St Mary’s in what was his first start under the German following a series of niggling injuries.

“I said to him after the game: ‘Now I know what everybody is talking about,” Klopp is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. “I knew about his quality but not live in a stadium.” Liverpool, who fell behind through Sadio Mane after just 40 seconds, led 3-1 at the break after Divock Origi added to Sturridge’s brace on the stroke of half time.

The Belgian netted two more in the second period to complete his hat-trick, with youngster Jordon Ibe also on the scoresheet as Klopp’s side set up a semi-final tie with Stoke City.