Liverpool's Christian Benteke ready to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s style

By Nick Lustig

Image: Christian Benteke (centre) is hoping to build on his winning goal against Leicester

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke says he is ready to "run more" following a frank conversation with manager Jurgen Klopp.

Benteke came off the substitutes' bench to score the winner in Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Leicester on Boxing Day, his first league goal in nearly two months. 

The Belgium international has scored only six times since arriving at Anfield in the summer following a £32.5m move from Aston Villa and has received criticism from certain sections of Liverpool supporters for a number of perceived below-par performances. 

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Ahead of Liverpool's trip to Sunderland on Wednesday - live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm - Benteke says he is ready to adapt to Klopp's style of play. 

"We had a man conversation and I think it is going to help me and help the team," Benteke said.

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"I have to run more and I have to be there for my team-mates."

The 25-year-old added: "I spoke with the manager a few days ago about where I can improve and what he is expecting from me.

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"Sometimes when you are a little bit on the side you try to understand what the manager needs and what he wants, and we had a very good chat.

Image: Benteke (left) has revealed he had a "man conversation" with manager Jurgen Klopp

"You could see that I showed I understand his message and now I have to keep going like that."

A hamstring injury suffered by Divock Origi during the win over Leicester has left Liverpool with Benteke as their only fit striker. 

Daniel Sturridge said on Sunday he is "good to go" to make a return from injury, but Klopp revealed he would resist the temptation to pick the forward until he is sure his body can handle it.

Image: Klopp (right) is reluctant to bring forward Daniel Sturridge back into the first-team fray

Danny Ings will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery and Benteke says he is confident he can take on the goal-scoring mantle under the guidance of Klopp. 

"Of course I am still a young player and I want to learn," he said. "He is the right manager for me to help me in my development.

"I am not saying every player can play like Barcelona but I have been in England a long time so I can adapt."

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