Jurgen Klopp Talks Daniel Sturridge and More After Liverpool Draw with Newcastle

Jurgen Klopp was angered that goalscorer Daniel Sturridge wasn't given a penalty in the second half of Liverpool's 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday.

Sturridge was denied his claim with the score at 2-1, after Magpies midfield man Cheick Tiote clattered with him in the box. The appeal was rebuffed and Jack Colback soon stole a point for Newcastle, after Sturridge and Adam Lallana had given Liverpool a two-goal lead at the break.

Understandably, Klopp was eager to talk about the penalty that wasn't given, per Lee Ryder of the Chronicle:

"

Klopp: "It was a clear penalty on Daniel Sturridge (Tiote challenge). I don't know why the ref didn't whistle." #nufc #lfc

— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) April 23, 2016"

Klopp was also angered by the draw, a result that earned ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and Newcastle a vital point in their bid to avoid relegation. Klopp said the final score felt worse than a stalemate, per the league's official site:

The main source of Klopp's anger was how his team suffered maximum punishment, despite facing the minimum attacking threat from the visitors, a fact he made clear, according to Squawka News:

But if Klopp wants a silver lining, he need only look at Sturridge's current goalscoring form.

The England striker opened Liverpool's account with just over a minute gone at Anfield. Always a threat, the ultra-brittle Sturridge is proving his fitness at the business end of the season.

Klopp was impressed with the striker's quality in front of goal, as well as his stamina after another stop-start campaign, per Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo:

Klopp is certainly right to applaud a forward who is in a very rich vein of form at the moment. Squawka detailed how efficient Sturridge has been with his chances lately:

Liverpool need Sturridge on top form with their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg looming. Opponents Villarreal are defensively sound, and it won't help to have target man Divock Origi missing with a leg problem.

As for the Reds' own defence, it's sure to miss Mamadou Sakho. The Frenchman missed the game while UEFA investigates a potential breach of anti-doping rules, according to the club (h/t Sky Sports News HQ).

Klopp made reference to Sakho, but insisted his absence can't excuse this result, per Walsh:

Breaking up Sakho's partnership with Dejan Lovren, a highly effective double act in recent matches, could spell trouble for Liverpool in Europe, if the evidence of the club's latest domestic struggles is anything to go by.

Overall, the draw has interrupted the momentum Klopp had been building at Anfield. With injuries and suspensions on his mind, the German will have to suavely reshuffle the pack ahead of facing a very cagey and capable Villarreal outfit.