Liverpool vs. Sunderland: Jurgen Klopp's Key Comments from Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp laughed off suggestions that Daniel Sturridge could depart Anfield in the summer ahead of the Reds' clash against Sunderland on Saturday.

Recent reports have indicated that Liverpool could let Sturridge go at the end of the season as the England international is "fed up" with criticism over his fitness and attitude, per Sami Mokbel in the Daily Mail.

However, speaking on Friday ahead of the Anfield fixture, Klopp rubbished the reports, adding that the 26-year-old has looked excellent in training as he aims to return to full fitness, per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce: "Who has suggested he wants to leave? I am not interested. He's looked great in training. The Daniel 'story'? There is no story. You can't create stories then ask me about them. It's not frustrating, it's not interesting."

The visit of relegation-battling Sunderland offers Liverpool an excellent chance to claim a much-needed win following a run of five Premier League games in which they have garnered only four points.

The Reds were soundly beaten by Leicester City last time out and dropped down to eighth place in the table, but they must be considered favourites at home against the 19th-placed Black Cats.  

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, though, believes Sunderland can get a result on Merseyside:

One of Liverpool's main issues of late has been a lack of consistency in attack, a problem that Klopp did not attempt to resolve by moving in the recently closed transfer market.

They were heavily linked with Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Alex Teixeira, but he has now secured a lucrative move to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, and Klopp said he has no problem with the news, per Matt Lewis in the Mirror:

"

A lot of people in Europe talk about the power of England because of the TV deal. Maybe now it’s China. 

It’s an individual decision. If you are 26 and get an offer like he did then everyone would think about it. 

I have no problem with this. I don’t think it’s a sign in general.

"

The former Borussia Dortmund boss had some positive news on the attacking front as he confirmed that Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho had both returned to training, alongside Sturridge, a trio the Reds have sorely missed, per Liverpool:

They will not be available to play against Sunderland, though, nor will Martin Skrtel, while Joe Allen is having a shoulder problem assessed, per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery:

The last time Liverpool met Sunderland back in December, Klopp had a falling-out with Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce and the Englishman called him a "soft German." However, the Anfield manager has clearly put the incident behind him, per Lewis:

"

It was never a story with Sam. The "soft" story? I have no problem. A lot of people have said worse things about me. 

There is no problem and I have big respect for Sam Allardyce. When we played first time against Sunderland I said then they would stay in the Premier League because Sam is there. We will shake hands.

"

The key battles for Klopp will be on the pitch, and he will hope that his side can at least repeat the 1-0 result they claimed in the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light.