Jurgen Klopp’s Xherdan Shaqiri snub sparks confusion among Liverpool camp

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Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has questioned Jurgen Klopp’s decision to ignore Xherdan Shaqiri in recent games.

Shaqiri has been an unused substitute in Liverpool’s last two Premier League games and his absence from the line-up has confused the club’s fans and ex-players alike.

Is Klopp ignoring Shaqiri? Five key things to know…

  1. Shaqiri has scored six goals in 21 Premier League appearances since joining Liverpool from Stoke City last summer.
  2. He has been a useful addition to the squad and an effective option from the bench, scoring twice as a substitute in the 3-1 home win over Manchester United in December.
  3. However, Klopp brought Shaqiri on for just seven minutes at Old Trafford last month and didn’t use him at all during Sunday’s Merseyside derby.
  4. Both games were goalless draws, resulting in Liverpool surrendering their lead at the top of the Premier League table to Manchester City.
  5. Shaqiri hasn’t started a match in any competition since January 30 in a league meeting with Leicester City.

Liverpool have struggled for goals of late, drawing 0-0 at Manchester United and Everton in their last two Premier League away games.

The Reds put five past Watford in between those matches, but the front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino has been accused of lacking bite at times this term.

And Nicol has admitted he is “bamboozled” by Klopp refusing to give Shaqiri regular minutes.

“I would love to know [what Shaqiri’s done wrong],” Nicol told ESPN, as reported by Goal.

“I can’t believe that [Divock] Origi started [against Everton]. I can’t believe that, after taking him off, you put [Adam] Lallana on before you put Shaqiri on.

“So, I am absolutely bamboozled what he’s done wrong.

“I thought he should have brought Shaqiri on against United, instead he brings [Daniel] Sturridge on [first].

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“So, I have no idea what Shaqiri’s done, because any time he’s stepped on the field for Liverpool, he’s made a difference.

“He’s either scored goals, he’s either offered up chances for team-mates, or at the very least he’s actually got the team going.

“That energy and that enthusiasm that he’s shown when he’s come on, we’ve seen it and anybody else who’s come on for Liverpool recently hasn’t changed the game whatsoever.”

Liverpool fans side with Nicol

On social media, many Liverpool fans echoed Nicol’s words during and after the draw with Everton.

The supporters were confused to see Klopp turn to Adam Lallana instead of Shaqiri when Liverpool needed a goal.

The post Jurgen Klopp’s Xherdan Shaqiri snub sparks confusion among Liverpool camp appeared first on Squawka News.



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