Jurgen Klopp Comments on Daniel Sturridge's Frustration in Liverpool vs. Spurs

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he liked seeing Daniel Sturridge upset about being substituted in the 72nd minute of the Reds' 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Saturday.

The England striker was clearly angry and frustrated at being hooked for Divock Origi towards the end of the game.

Klopp explained that the move was tactical and said he had no issue with Sturridge venting his frustration at being taken off, per the Mirror's David Maddock:

"

I like this—as long as he doesn’t come off the pitch and do something really strange, like kicking me from behind.

I saw that he was not happy, because I’m not blind. But that’s not a problem, because if he came off and (celebrated) something would be really wrong.

I think that’s completely normal—especially with the quality of Daniel Sturridge.

He has to think, "Leave me on the pitch and I can decide the game." You have to think "Yes, I’m the best." That’s true, but in this moment we needed other help in the game.

We needed ways behind the [Tottenham] line. We needed [Origi's] physical strength, so I changed.

I could have changed Adam Lallana and gone with two strikers but in my opinion—and only my opinion counts—it didn’t make sense, so that’s it.

"

Philippe Coutinho's 51st-minute strike was cancelled out by Harry Kane's equaliser just after the hour, as Liverpool and Spurs shared the spoils on Merseyside.

Sturridge could have won the game for the Reds on a couple of occasions, but he missed some golden opportunities before being taken off, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

He did provide the assist for Coutinho's goal, but it was far from his best performance, per WhoScored.com. 

Though Klopp said the change was tactical, he may also have had Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund in mind when he made the switch.

Liverpool face the German side in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at Signal Iduna Park, and Sturridge could be crucial if the Reds are to claim a result.

Though he has continued to be plagued by numerous fitness worries this term, his goal return has still been fairly good, as he has netted a combined five goals in 12 appearances in the Premier League and Europa League, per WhoScored.

Klopp is likely to receive a hero's welcome in Dortmund, as their fans are reportedly missing the man who was in charge of their side from 2008 to 2015, per BT Sport's Andy Brassell:

The German manager will be desperate to get one over on his old side, though, as Europa League glory for Liverpool is their key to UEFA Champions League qualification for next season given that they sit ninth in the Premier League.

Liverpool face a tough task, as Dortmund are arguably the best team left in the competition and have been magnificent in 2016, per UEFA Europa League:

Sturridge could be the key man for Liverpool, and Klopp will hope the Englishman's frustration at getting hooked against Tottenham can spur him on to a fine performance against Dortmund.