Sturridge: Our approach will be the same at Old Trafford
Daniel Sturridge insists Liverpool won’t sit back at Old Trafford and protect a 2-0 lead next Thursday, and will instead approach the game with the same attacking intent like they did at Anfield.
Jürgen Klopp’s side produced a night to remember at Anfield as they gained a strong foothold in the Europa League Round of 16 first-leg tie with a two goal cushion.
The England striker, who showed nerves of steel to net the opening goal from the penalty spot, said the players are desperate to finish the job off in style next Thursday in Manchester.
“We’ll approach the second leg exactly the same as we did the first leg. That’s the only way we know,” Sturridge told the Liverpool Echo.
“The Liverpool way is to win games so we will go into the second leg and be positive.
“The confidence is there within the camp and we are just looking forward to every game. We are mentally prepared for every job we have ahead of us.”
Roberto Firmino added a crucial second goal in front of the Kop with a neat finish from Adam Lallana’s pass, and Sturridge admits the Brazilian is in a rich vein of form.
He added: “Firmino has been doing extremely well and hopefully that will continue.
“It was a good step for us, but it is only the first leg. It is half a job. We are just looking at the second leg now and hopefully we will get the job done.”
The 2-0 scoreline could gave been far greater had it not been for the contribution of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea who pulled off several world-class saves.
“De Gea is a world class goalkeeper and sometimes goalkeepers have fantastic games and he seems to be doing it often,” added the No.15.
“He has kept us out a few times, but hopefully next week we will be able to put a few more of the chances away.”
The first-leg victory saw Liverpool end a spell of four straight defeats against their arch-rivals, but Sturridge insists there is still a lot of hard work to be done next Thursday night.
He added: “I wouldn’t necessary say it was about revenge but it was an important result for us, especially to get a clean sheet.
“That was the most important thing and that was our focus.
“For the team’s development it was great for us to win a game 2-0 against a top side. But as I said it is half a job.
“We have a big game again next week. We have to be mentally prepared for that one and get the job done there.”