Liverpool must tell fans the truth about Daniel Sturridge - injuries are in his head, says Dietmar Hamann
Anfield hero says the manager is misleading Liverpool fans over striker's chronic fitness problems
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann has accused manager Jurgen Klopp of misleading supporters over Daniel Sturridge’s chronic fitness problems this season.
Sturridge has spent much of the campaign sidelined with niggling injuries that have restricted him to just six league appearances. When asked about his striker ahead of the league clash against Manchester United on Sunday Klopp appeared reluctant to discuss the issue.
Hamann has accused Klopp of keeping fans in the dark, and suggested Sturridge’s problems are in his head. “The club has got a responsibility to tell the paying public what is wrong with him,” Hamann told TalkSport.
“If he has got a hamstring injury, an ankle injury, or whatever he may have, the people who pay for a season ticket have got a right to know what is wrong with him. Judging by the way Jurgen Klopp answered his questions [ahead of the Manchester United game] I don't think there is too much wrong with the player.
“If there is nothing wrong with him, it is more important to be honest and truthful with the paying public than to protect a player who has hardly played in the last 18 months, who seems to choose when he wants to play.
“He has got three years left on his contract and I don’t see any reason, if there is nothing wrong with the player, why the club should protect him.”
Hamann, a former team-mate of Sturridge at Manchester City, criticised the forward. “There was always something wrong with him on the Thursday or the Friday. His back, his hamstring, there was always something,” Hamann said.
“If you look at his record since he has played professional football he probably doesn’t average half the games a season - and it has got worse at Liverpool.
“I am not saying he is pretending to be injured, I’m not sure. But if he is injured, say it. Nobody knows what is going on with him.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments