Saturday 22 October 2016 10:06, UK
Jurgen Klopp insists Daniel Sturridge's goal drought can be a "very useful moment" in the Liverpool forward's career.
The England international is yet to score in the Premier League this season and cut a frustrated figure in Liverpool's goalless draw with Manchester United at Anfield on Monday Night Football.
Sturridge touched the ball just once in the opposition box and did not have a shot at goal before being replaced on the hour mark.
Reports in the national press have suggested Sturridge could be dropped for Liverpool's home match with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, with Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum pushing for recalls.
But Klopp has given his backing to the 27-year-old, highlighting how prolific goalscorers like Robert Lewandowski and Gerd Muller also went through dry periods in front of goal.
"This moment is a good moment for Dan. It is not easy. Most of his time in his life, football has been so easy because he is so skilled," the Liverpool manager said.
"The right moment, easy goal, simple goal. Every player struggles with this or this. Little problem here, little problem there.
"We had a game against Manchester United and, yes, it was not easy for him. We didn't play well, he didn't play with 100 per cent confidence.
"And I think it is a very useful moment in his career. A big name: [Robert] Lewandowski. There were times when he didn't score.
"Gerd Muller. There were games he didn't score. I still can't believe it. You look back on his career and he scored 600 times but there were moments when he didn't score."
