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Daniel Sturridge could quit Liverpool over portrayal of injuries
The way Liverpool have handled Daniel Sturridge’s injuries in public has apparently upset the striker, leaving him willing to leave the club.
Michael Regan/Getty Images
While the 2013/14 season was one Daniel Sturridge will always remember for his 21 goals and Liverpool finishing second, everything that's happened since then will be something he'd rather forget. A long series of injuries has allowed him to play just 24 times in the last season and a half -- and Liverpool's public portrayal of those injuries has apparently left Sturridge frustrated and willing to leave the club.
While some remarks made by Brendan Rodgers likely stung, it's almost certainly things said by Jurgen Klopp that upset Sturridge the most. Klopp famously questioned Sturridge's ability to handle and understand injuries, saying earlier this season that the striker "needed to learn the difference" between being actually injured and just being in pain. The obvious implication was that Klopp feels Sturridge could actually play if he worked though pain, and that he isn't actually all that injured.
That upset Sturridge, who has spent the last 18 months battling long series of hip, knee, and muscular woes. He’s even gone so far as to make multiple trips to the United States to see specialists for his injuries, all to little avail. Now Sturridge would apparently rather leave the club if a deal can be reached, something Liverpool would surely consider if they can find a deal that makes financial sense. Both parties need a fresh start at this point, and a future apart might be in both of their best interests.
For his part, Klopp denied any reports of a rift between player and club, saying that there’s “no story” and that he’s “not interested” in such speculation.
In the news
Arsene Wenger thinks that China might be getting set to scoop up all the top players in Europe. (Guardian)
Pep Guardiola says that his impending move to Manchester City will not distract him from his work at Bayern Munich. (BBC)
Jose Mourinho is apparently “confident” that he will be hired by Manchester United. (ESPN FC)
Reports in Italy suggest that his company’s financial woes may force Bee Taechaubol to pull out of his proposed investment deal with AC Milan. (Football Italia)
Barcelona and their former president Sandro Rosell have been accused of industrial espionage by a Spanish communications group. (MARCA)
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Barney Ronay suggests that Gary Neville may not be as well suited to club management as he thinks. (Guardian)
Mike L. Goodman wonders if Arsenal’s recent downturn in form has cost them their chance at the Premier League title. (ESPN FC)
Ben Bloom digs into the reasons why so many notable and talented players are jetting off to China. (Telegraph)
What to watch on Friday (click for listings, all times ET)
Bundesliga: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Werder Bremen (2:30 p.m.): The top four is within reach for Gladbach, but Werder are desperate to pull clear of the relegation zone.
La Liga: Malaga vs. Getafe (2:30 p.m.): A win for either team could see them position themselves to challenge for a Europa League spot.
International Friendly: United States vs. Canada (10:15 p.m.): The last match of the USMNT’s January training camp should prove informative as to how well the national team’s depth is developing.
Liga MX: 3 matches (8:30 p.m., 10 p.m., 10:30 p.m.): It’s still early in the Clausura season in Mexico, but the title race could start to heat up with Tigres, Club Tijuana and Cruz Azul all in action.
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