LIVERPOOL STRIKER CHRISTIAN Benteke has revealed he had an in-depth talk with Jurgen Klopp about what the manager expects from him for his full-throttle approach, with the manager telling his player to “run more”.
The Belgian bagged the winner in the Boxing Day victory over Premier League leaders Leicester, after replacing the injured Divock Origi.
Klopp admitted he selected the 20-year-old to lead the line over the £32.5 million summer signing due to his superior movement.
And prior to that encounter, Klopp challenged Benteke to elevate his game in order to guarantee a starting spot.
Following helpful critique from the German, the 25-year-old is willing to work on his runs and combination play.
We had a ‘man conversation’ and I think it is going to help me and help the team,” said Benteke.
“I have to run more and I have to be there for my team-mates.
“I spoke with the manager a few days ago about where I can improve and what he is expecting from me.
Sometimes when you are a little bit on the side you try to understand what the manager needs and what he wants, and we had a very good chat.
“You could see that I showed I understand his message and now I have to keep going like that.”
Benteke, who has six goals in 18 appearances for Liverpool, has not started consecutive league games under Klopp.
But the forward believes the guidance from the 48-year-old will help him transform his game.
“I am still a young player and I want to learn,” he said.
He is the right manager for me to help me in my development.
“I am not saying every player can play like Barcelona, but I have been in England a long time so I can adapt.”
