'Man conversation' with Klopp helping me improve - Benteke

The Belgian striker scored the winner in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Leicester City on Saturday after coming on for injured compatriot Divock Origi in the first half.

'Man conversation' with Klopp helping me improve - Benteke

(Reuters)





This was only his fourth goal in 12 games since Klopp took over as Liverpool manager from Brendan Rodgers in October.

"I spoke with the manager a few days ago about where I can improve and what he is expecting from me," Benteke told British media.

"We had a good conversation. We had like a 'man conversation' and I think it is going to help me and help the team.

"I think I have to run more and I have to be there for my team mates."

Benteke, who moved from Aston Villa in July for 32.5 million pounds ($48.37 million), had gone six league games without a goal before Saturday, with Klopp opting to start Roberto Firmino and Origi in attack.

"You could see against Leicester that I showed I understand his message and now I have to keep going like that," Benteke said.

"I want to start, of course. Every player wants to play but it is the decision of the manager and I have to be ready."

Liverpool are already missing striker Danny Ings for the entire season due to a knee ligament injury and fitness questions hang over England international Daniel Sturridge.

Klopp insisted on Saturday that he would not rush to include Sturridge in his starting line-up, despite the former Chelsea forward taking to social media to declare his fitness.

"Perfect gift for Christmas from the boys getting a win. On a sidenote, I'm back training and good to go," Sturridge said on Twitter.

Eighth-placed Liverpool will look to make it back-to-back wins when they take on Sunderland on Wednesday. The Black Cats, who are second from bottom in the table, are on a four-game winless run.





(Reporting by Nayan Das in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)


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Source: Reuters



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