Dubai: Former Liverpool players Dietmar Hamann and Jason McAteer have urged The Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp to cut his losses on injury-plagued striker Daniel Sturridge this transfer window.
The 26-year-old Englishman has scored twice in five appearances so far this season after being blighted with knee and hamstring issues.
Last season the former Manchester City and Chelsea forward scored four goals in 12 appearances for the Anfield club either side of thigh, hamstring and hip complaints.
Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to Dubai’s Jumeirah Baccalaureate School on Tuesday, both Hamann and McAteer – who were present with fellow Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler to inaugurate the pitch – agreed it was time for Klopp to take a call. Fowler however, sat more on the fence.
“If I was in charge of the club and somebody told me they would take him for nothing and take over his wages, I’d probably let him go,” said Hamann, aged 42, who played in midfield 191 times for Liverpool between 1999 and 2006.
“Are we going to see him [playing again] this season? I doubt it. He’s got another three years on big wages. How many games are we going to get out of him? 50 or 60? Is it worth all the hassle?
“The club’s hands are tied however, because I doubt there is someone who wants to come in and pay the £10 million (Dh52 million) to £25 million the club values him at. I don’t think anyone will pay that at the moment.”
McAteer, 44, who made 100 appearances in midfield for Liverpool between 1995 and 1999, agreed with Hamann and also questioned Sturridge’s mentality.
“I’d probably cut my losses too and that’s sad to say because he is a top player and whenever he’s on the pitch he proves it, it’s just he doesn’t play enough.
“When we were players we never played 100 per cent fit, there was always a slight niggle but we always wanted to play.
“The big question mark about Daniel is not his quality but his mentality and how much he wants to be on the pitch. The last couple of months he’s not quite been ready, whereas others probably feel he can get out and play and that’s disappointing.”
Fowler, aged 40, who scored 120 goals in 236 appearances up front for the club between 1993 and 2001, agreed.
“We are not in a position where we can afford to carry players because we are not as rich as some of the other clubs, so it’s important every player fits the bill and plays as many games as they can. When he does play he’s a top player but Liverpool needs players now.”
But when asked if he would get rid of the player if he were the coach, Fowler retreated.
“Jurgen has come in and not really seen him. So, I think he might want to keep him. “Would I like to see him go? Probably not if I’m honest, I’ve liked what I’ve seen. But it’s important he gets back on the pitch. We can’t afford to be waiting months and years, we need him on the pitch now. It’s up to the manager to get him back playing and I hope to see him back scoring goals soon.”
