Amidst rumours of a summer exit from Anfield, the Belgium international has reiterated his desire to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place in the side.
Since his £32.5 million move from the West Midlands to Merseyside, things have been difficult for 25-year-old Christian Benteke. A haul of 8 goals in 35 games is a poor return from the striker considering the big money Liverpool paid for him.
The Belgian has also been subject to criticism owing to his inability to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s high-pressing game, as well as his poor finishing, with the latter costing the Reds some crucial points in their league campaign. Benteke’s recent comments in an interview to Voetbalmagazine highlighting his failure to understand Klopp’s ‘ignorance’ towards him did little to strengthen his position.
However, the striker opened up about his situation at Anfield and reiterated his desire to fight for his place in the side. Benteke was quoted as saying by the Independent, “Obviously it has not been the best season for me here. I haven’t played like I want to and that is frustrating but this is part of football.
“Even though things have not been as I wanted I’m really happy here. Playing for this club is exciting, just like what I thought it would be. Now I want to finish this season well.”
The 25-year-old attributed his poor form to a lack of match sharpness. “When you are not playing regularly you maybe lose a little bit of the speed or pace of the game compared to when you are playing in the side all of the time,” he added.
“You are just not as comfortable as when you play every weekend. Your match fitness isn’t the same. When things aren’t going well you just have to work harder and trust yourself.”
Benteke form could cost him Belgium place
Benteke’s form has been uninspiring and could well cost him a spot in the Belgian Euro 2016 squad with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi and even Origi presenting solid options up front for Marc Wilmots. Sidelined by a knee injury at the moment, the targetman would want to return as soon as possible and end his season with Liverpool on a positive note.
However, with the Reds reportedly entertaining offers for the former Aston Villa man from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Juventus and even West Ham, it seems unlikely that Benteke will start next season in a Liverpool shirt.
