Benteke hits out at Klopp after Palace switch

Christian Benteke has fired a parting shot at Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp by suggesting a lack of trust badly affected his form in his solitary season at Anfield.

The striker completed a move to Crystal Palace for a club-record £27m today after months of speculation over his future.

The Belgian was bought by Liverpool a year ago from Aston Villa, but boss Brendan Rodgers was sacked by the Reds just weeks later.

Klopp instilled a different style of play at the club and Benteke struggled to fit in, which resulted in him starting just 14 times in the Premier League.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

“A lot of things happened at Liverpool – when I arrived it was with Brendan Rodgers as manager but then he was sacked and Jurgen came in and had his own plan, but that’s part of football,” he said.

“I could have done better but I think I also needed some trust from the manager and the staff.”

Benteke believes Palace’s style will suit him and admits he looked into the squad and methods of manager Alan Pardew before penning his four-year contract.

“I’ve met the manager a few times before I signed and that’s why I wanted to come here. I was really happy to hear about his project and that is why I am excited to come here,” he said.

“I did my own research too and there are some great wingers here and because of that I think I can be a success here.”