Klopp hails comeback kid Sturridge in Liverpool's thumping victory over Southampton

Sturridge celebrating his comeback goal against Southampton in Capital One Cup

Jurgen Klopp lauded Daniel Sturridge for his blistering performance in Liverpool's 6-1 win over Southampton. Sturridge scored two sublime goals as the Reds dominated the Saints at their own stadium.

Southampton drew first blood as Bertrand’s brilliant curling cross was headed home by Sadio Mane inside the first minute of the game. However, Sturridge scored two goals in quick succession to give the visitors the lead. Thereafter, Liverpool took full control of the game. Divock Origi who was yet to score a goal for his new club, scored a hat-trick and full-back Alberto Moreno got on the scoresheet too with a driven goal from outside the box in what was a thoroughly entertaining performance.

Liverpool have progressed significantly in less than two months since Klopp’s arrival. In addition, the return of Sturridge may perhaps prove to be the key component in the club’s pursuit of a first major trophy since 2012 and a top-four finish in the Premier League. The England international has hardly played over the last 18 months due to numerous injuries, causing the new manager to question his striker’s mentality, but the 26-years-old’s recent exploits have certainly boosted his manager’s confidence in him.

“I said to him after the game, ‘Now I know what everybody's talking about’,” Klopp said. “Of course, I know about his quality. It's important for us we have these good strikers.”

When quizzed about his confidence regarding Sturridge’s ability to regain his career best form of 2013-14, Klopp said, “How should I know? Maybe he can be even better. Write this: ‘Daniel Sturridge can be much better than he was’. No (Sturridge did not need convincing to start). The problem with Daniel was we didn't know how long he could play because he did not have the perfect pre-season. But it was a good decision (to select him), I have to say.”

In progressing to the semi-finals against Stoke, Liverpool have avoided potentially more difficult draws against Everton or Manchester City, but Klopp pointed to his team's recent 4-1 win at City as proof they need not be concerned about facing them, and insisted that Stoke City remain a significant challenge.

“I have absolutely no problems with a match against Everton," he said. "As you could see we have no problem with matches against Manchester City, but we got Stoke. I’ve had a few finals in my life and I know there was never an easy one. Stoke will want this final, for sure.”

Woe for Koeman

The 6-1 defeat represented Southampton's worst at home for 56 years, since a 6-0 loss to Brentford in March 1959, and while criticising his team for making it “too easy” for Liverpool, their manager, Ronald Koeman, accepted responsibility for the attacking changes which he said ultimately increased their deficit.

“(It was) great play by Liverpool,” he said. “They played a fantastic game. Very complete, defensively strong, good movement and they killed the game with high quality, but (it was) too easy in my opinion.

“The second half is my responsibility. I took the decision to play three at the back, and the first 20 minutes after half-time it was a little bit better, but we didn't score, and the last 20 minutes, there were too big spaces, too big gaps.”