Klopp ignores Owen’s criticisms of Benteke

Matt Stead

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed Michael Owen’s criticism of Liverpool striker Christian Benteke.

Signed for £32.5million in the summer, Benteke continues to struggle in his debut season at Anfield, with Liverpool having scored more Premier League goals than only five other sides so far this season.

Benteke is their top scorer with six goals in 17 league appearances, and the Belgian has faced intense scrutiny over whether he suits Jurgen Klopp’s style.

Former Reds striker Owen joined those questioning the 25-year-old when speaking to BT Sport on Saturday.

“If you’re going to play Benteke, you need to get the ball wide and get crosses into him,” Owen said. “I’m not sure he’s a good enough player to build your team around.

“Yes, he didn’t get the service but he shouldn’t be suffering from a lack of confidence. He had scored the winning goal for a couple of matches on the spin.”

When asked on Owen’s comments, Klopp dismissed them.

“It’s not the game to pick one player out and talk about this,” the manager said. “I have no idea what he [Owen] spoke about, but take this from me – we could not do what we should have done at very precise moments, and that’s why we lost.”