Christian Benteke admits his Liverpool number may be up – it’s down to Jurgen Klopp
Belgian striker wants to continue at Anfield but will sit down and weigh up his options when he's home from the Euros
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE admits he may have to consider his future if it becomes obvious that Jurgen Klopp doesn't rate him next season.
The Belgium star scored 10 goals in a sporadic 2015/16 following his £32.5million move from Aston Villa.
But while he had the confidence of former boss Brendan Rodgers, Klopp seemed reluctant to play him even though star striker Daniel Sturridge was injured for most of the season.
Noew Sturridge is fit again, and Benteke has the added dilemma of Danny Ings coming back into the reckoning after his leg break, plus the threat of the emerging Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi.
From when Klopp took over, Benteke started just 13 of 52 matches and was used sparingly as a substitute.
He wants to remain at the club but accepts if that pattern is likely to continue next season then he may have think about things.
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Speaking at a Belgian media conference in the build-up to Euro 2016, Benteke said:
"At 25, I'm neither old nor young but it's important to play.
"I still have a contract at Liverpool and I'd like to stay there, if I remain in the coach's plans.
"If that's not the case, it will become difficult to stay. I'll think about if after the Euros.
"I was prepared for what I went through (last season). I knew that if I had mixed performances I would be criticised. That's what happened.
"When he (Klopp) arrived I saw that I wasn't in his plans. That was frustrating because I knew that during my first season at Aston Villa he wanted me.
"But we had several discussions together - I respect and I understand his decisions."
