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Christian Benteke believes he’s ready to spearhead Liverpool’s push towards the Champions League spots following a heart to heart with manager Jurgen Klopp.

The £32.5million striker is determined to ensure his match-winning cameo against Leicester City on Boxing Day proves to be a turning point in his Reds career.

Benteke has struggled to hold down a starting spot under Klopp but says he’s taken on board what the German told him during a “man conversation” at Melwood and has vowed to work harder.

“I spoke with the manager a few days ago about where I can improve and what he is expecting from me,” Benteke said.

“We had a good conversation. We had like a ‘man conversation’ and I think it is going to help me and help the team.

“Of course I am still a young player and I want to learn.

“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.

“I think I have to run more and I have to be there for my team-mates.

“You could see against Leicester that I showed I understand his message and now I have to keep going like that.”

Benteke became the second most expensive signing in the club’s history when he was signed from Aston Villa back in July.

Brendan Rodgers was the driving force behind the deal but within three months the Northern Irishman was sacked and Klopp took over.

Since then doubts have grown over Benteke’s ability to fit Klopp’s style but the big frontman insists he will make the required adjustments to succeed at Anfield.

“I won’t complain. It’s part of football,” Benteke said.

“I know it is not easy. When I came it was for Brendan and now it is for Jurgen so it is a different manager.

“I have to learn and I have to understand what he wants.

“He is the right manager for me to help me in my development.

“I was not worried about fitting in or not because now football has changed.

“I am not saying every player can play like Barcelona but I have been in England a long time so I can adapt.”

Benteke has made just four league starts under Klopp but after bagging his sixth goal of the campaign after coming off the bench against Leicester he’s hoping to get the nod for Wednesday night’s trip to lowly Sunderland.

“I think like any striker you need a few games, but we have a great squad and it is hard to play every game,” Benteke said.

“I want to start, of course. Every player wants to play but it is the decision of the manager and I have to be ready.”