The 23-year-old admits he was disappointed not to start against his former side on Sunday, but believes his previous knowledge of the Blues aided his cameo performance
Daniel Sturridge has revealed that the anger he has for former club Chelsea improved his performance for Liverpool during Sunday’s 2-2 draw.
The 23-year-old moved to Anfield for a reported fee of £12 million after struggling for first-team opportunities with the Blues this term, and the weekend clash was the first time he has come up against his former side.
Sturridge came on at half-time with Liverpool trailing 1-0, and nearly assisted an equaliser for Steven Gerrard before hitting the post from 30 yards and scoring himself within seven minutes of his introduction – and he believes ill feeling towards his former employers aided his performance.
“I was disappointed not to start because the manager would have known I was a bit angry with Chelsea and wanted to prove a point against them,” Sturridge told the club’s official website.
“It was strange playing against them because I only left three months ago so I kind of knew their weaknesses and what their team was all about.
“I was itching to get on and the team performed well in the second half. We started attacking a lot more; in the first half we were a little bit defensive. The game opened up and we showed what we’re all about – it was good.”
Sturridge notched five goals in his opening six games for Liverpool but has struggled with niggling injury concerns of late, with his goal on Sunday his first since February – and the striker was relieved to end his two-month drought.
He added: “I’m happy but it’s my job. I’ll be happy today but tomorrow is a new day.
“I just look forward to the next one now, it’s onwards and upwards from here and I hope to continue to help the team get some results.”