Sunday 10 April 2016 19:03, UK
Jurgen Klopp says he has no doubts about the quality of Daniel Sturridge, despite opting to start with Divock Origi on Thursday.
Origi responded to the trust shown in him with the opening goal in the 1-1 Europa League draw at Borussia Dortmund, with England forward Sturridge coming off the bench later on.
In the aftermath, questions have been asked as to whether Sturridge, who has been considered Liverpool's top forward since Luis Suarez's departure, has lost that status.
But, speaking ahead of Sunday's game with Stoke, Klopp said: "I am not interested in the things [the media] think.
"I make decisions that are not made on who, was, when. How could I? I have no doubt as to the quality of Daniel Sturridge.
"Daniel is doing really well and had no problem when he saw he would not start [against Dortmund]. He came in and did his job. We have to leave him to work, and when is on the pitch, give all he has.
"This is nothing about what somebody thought when Suarez left the club, it's a long time since then. We have a lot of strikers at the club, they all need confidence and faith."
And Klopp thinks Origi and Sturridge could also play together if needed.
"I don't think there is a challenge between them," he said. "They have to be in the best shape and it's very likely they can play together.
"Divock and Dan played together at Southampton, it was not bad.
"You need more than one striker and, if all are fit, which is not the case most of the time, you have to make decisions.
"We have to think what's best for the team and, the more players we have available, the better it is."
