Ex-Stoke boss Paul Lambert defends Xherdan Shaqiri: “We were lucky to have him”

Former Stoke City manager Paul Lambert has come out in defence of former club star Xherdan Shaqiri after the Switzerland international came under criticism for his apparent poor attitude. 

Shaqiri made the move to Premier League giants Liverpool in the summer after failing to help keep Stoke City in the Premier League.

The Swiss international’s attitude was questioned by former teammate Charlie Adam, who told talkSPORT: “When the chips are down you look at your big players, you want your big players to bring magic in one moment in the season, and at times we felt like the so-called big players in the squad never turned up for us and never performed.

“Was he one of them? Oh definitely.”

Former Manchester United right-back turned football pundit Gary Neville also aimed negative comments towards Shaqiri, labelling him as “unprofessional” while also saying that he “did nothing and just wobbled around.”

However, former Stoke boss Lambert – who lost his job following his failure to keep the club in the Premier League – has wholeheartedly supported Shaqiri, saying that he was their best chance of a goal and that he never had any problem with the star.

“People can say ‘He never worked back’ but listen if he’s creating something at the top end of the pitch, then you’ve got a chance,” Lambert told beIN SPORTS.

“Fifteen games, I never had one problem.

“He was great to work with, never had any problem with him switching off, turning off, not trying, not wanting it – and that’s me being honest.

“I couldn’t argue about what Shaq done for us. He was a terrific player, never had one bit of bother. I always think these type of players are temperamental a little bit and that’s not a slant on him at all.”

Liverpool have had a great start to the season, winning three games, sitting top of the Premier League and are yet to concede a goal. Their next match is away to Leicester City on Saturday.

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