Daniel Sturridge has resolved to fight for his place in the Liverpool team and demonstrate his talents to manager Jurgen Klopp in the season ahead. The England striker spent the second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion after struggling for game time at Anfield.
Sturridge, 28, has been linked with a move away from Liverpool but is determined to make a fresh start having featured in pre-season friendlies against Chester, Tranmere Rovers and Bury. He told the Daily Mirror: ‘I see myself staying at Liverpool, hopefully being part of the team week in, week out. Pre-season is going well, so for me it’s keeping my head down and building on that. I’m excited about the season ahead and it feels great to be back.’
Klopp opened the door for Sturridge to return to the side, saying after Saturday’s goalless draw at Bury that no member of his squad was being ruled out.
‘I always said there is a future, it’s about what we do in the moment. At the moment it’s all good and we don’t have to make decisions,’ said the German manager.
Sturridge is likely to be involved again when Liverpool travel to Ewood Park to play Blackburn Rovers on Thursday evening. They then jet off to the United States for three International Champions Cup fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Manchester United. The Reds, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season, kick-off the new campaign at home to West Ham on August 12.