Thursday 25 August 2016 13:46, UK
Jurgen Klopp says there is no problem between himself and Daniel Sturridge after the Liverpool striker voiced his frustration about being played out wide.
Following Liverpool's 5-0 EFL Cup win over Burton Albion, Sturridge - who scored twice against the Brewers - said he was happy to help the team out where required but made it clear his preference is to play as a striker.
Klopp was asked about Sturridge's comments ahead of Liverpool's visit to Tottenham, live on Sky Sports 1HD this Saturday lunchtime.
The Liverpool manager said: "I don't want to play Daniel as a wide player but of course he can start there and of course he can play there but in the decisive moments he needs to be involved in all of the finishing situations.
"I think he scored both goals [when he was] inside the box so he wasn't on the wing in this moment. That is flexible football. Daniel is a very smart player. He's good at getting himself into positions where it's not easy to defend.
"Both game Burton and Burnley were games where we didn't need offensive wingers in these positions. It's not a fixed position for him.
"There is absolutely no problem. I don't know exactly what he said but when I talk to him there is absolutely no issue."
Liverpool's last Premier League game was a 2-0 loss at Burnley last Saturday and Klopp knows his side will have to be at their best to take something from White Hart Lane.
"This game is completely different to the last two we played," he said. "They are a pressing team. They don't give away a lot of spaces but there are spaces.
"They are convinced about their style of play. It's high individual quality. They can leave [Dele] Alli out and that's the big difference from last year.
"It will be an exciting game. They are still strong and have brought some very good players in. I've seen a lot of good signs from us."
The German's first ever match as Liverpool boss was away at Spurs last season - a game that ended in a 0-0 draw. Klopp believes his side have vastly improved in the period since.
"We have become more experienced," he said. "We feel stronger together, we've had good moments together."
Liverpool may have to make do without midfielder Emre Can and striker Divock Origi for the trip to north London after both picked up knocks in Tuesday's win at Burton.
"We have a few players in a bit of doubt," Klopp said. "Our next game is in two days so we need to wait a little bit.
"With Emre, it's nothing really serious but it's his ankle [and] Can has had problems with it in past. It's the same situation with Divock [Origi]. It's not for sure they'll be available."
Klopp was also asked about the future of striker Mario Balotelli who has been told he is surplus to requirements at Anfield this season.
"We wait until September 1 and then we analyse the situation," the Liverpool boss said. "Our squad shouldn't be too big. We don't have 60 games.
"I will inform you immediately when the decision is close [on Balotelli's future]. There's no decision in the next few minutes."
Coverage of Tottenham v Liverpool on Saturday begins at 11.30 am on Sky Sports 1HD.
