Sorry, Liverpool! Sturridge predicts Reds’ fate in the 2026/27 season
By Luke Oluoch, August 23, 2026Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has expressed optimism for the club’s 2026/27 campaign while offering a realistic assessment of their title credentials.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Sunday, August 23, 2026, ahead of Liverpool’s opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, the pundit held that while he does not view the Reds as clear league favourites, the squad possesses the talent to make a strong impression.
“Do I think they are going to win the Premier League? My answer is a definitive no, but I don’t think the team is miles away from challenging the league and other top teams. I don’t want to say they are going to win the league, but I am not saying they will be miles away from it,” Sturridge asserted.
“We have the talent of Isak, we have Virgil van Dijk in defense, and it’s not the end of the world for me.”
Addressing the broader picture, Sturridge, who famously featured in Liverpool’s “SAS” front line alongside Luis Suárez under Brendan Rodgers’s tenure, stressed the importance of giving new managers time to build a sustainable culture.
Klopp’e era
Drawing a direct parallel to former manager Jürgen Klopp’s tenure, Sturridge inferred that challenging for the title would require patience rather than immediate championship expectations.
“When Klopp came in, he was afforded time, two to three years, and it was progress that followed. He took the team to finals and won trophies,” Sturridge noted.
“If Iraola can show and prove we are making progress, get us back into the top four, and beat top clubs in the process, then that will be key to starting off the journey back.”
The Reds enter the 2026/27 campaign looking to steady the ship under new Spanish manager Andoni Iraola following a disappointing 5th-place finish last season and the departure of Arne Slot.
Despite a rather mixed preseason run, the Spaniard maintained an upbeat outlook on the squad’s overall progress heading into the new campaign.
“I have spoken many times about the type of team I want to see on the pitch—about the intensity, the intent, and the energy we are looking for. While it is clear that there is still room for improvement, I believe we are moving in the right direction, and I expect that growth to continue in the coming days and weeks as the season gets underway.”