The last thing that Liverpool need is an off-field issue that may threaten to derail their season after all the good work they’ve put in. However, there is one issue threatening to do just that and it surrounds Xherdan Shaqiri and his lack of minutes, an issue that even Ian Wright has been talking about on Five Live, which you can read in The Mirror.
Anyone concerned about this? Feel like Klopp should come out and say something to stop all the rumours https://t.co/jEyW1fSCn7
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) 20 March 2019
Whilst the current Shaqiri debacle isn’t something being widely spoken about at the moment, it could still be an underlying issue for the Reds, much like the departure of Zeljko Buvac last season may have hindered the Anfield side. However, this time around, the fans aren’t quite as worried, as the recent news that their 27-year-old versatile attacker has pulled out of the Swiss squad through injury has made them think an injury is why he’s not featured.
The last time that Shaqiri actually started a game of football for Jurgen Klopp was well over a month ago, as he played just under 70 minutes in the Red’s 1-1 draw with Leicester. Since that game, though, the ex-Bayern Munich man has managed just 39 minutes in seven games, failing to make it onto the pitch in five of those. Regardless of that, though, the Kopites are refusing to worry and have faith in Shaqiri being back in action soon enough.
You can read the Reds’ verdict on the supposed Shaqiri-Klopp issues here:
Nothing to worry about at all. It's pretty obvious that the injury that's forced him out of the Swiss international is the reason he hasn't been used by Klopp. In an emergency, maybe but it would take some emergency to use him. #InKloppWeTrust #YNWA
— Dean Scott Fisher (@DeanScottFisher) March 20, 2019
he's injured, fit enough to be on the bench in case of emergency, but now the international break has come along he's getting it sorted properly.
— Steven Robbins (@Grumpydev) March 20, 2019
He’s out injured. Has withdrawn from the Swiss squad for these matches.
— Gavin Harte (@swissgav) March 20, 2019
Not really seeing as he has withdrawn from international this week due to injury. Let’s not forget the Klopp sees him every day in training and knows what he is doing.
— andrew barton (@andrewbarton79) March 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/CodeRedShell/status/1108355034394308610
And really, who is he going to leave out for him to play if he was fit?
— Keren Disbury (@kegsthekopite) 20 March 2019
Ian Wright’s opinion isn’t enough for Klopp to need to clarify. Other subs are performing better right now and are getting their shot. That’s OK. Shaq has had an OK impact for a first season (especially considering his price) and will likely continue to improve.
— KopRich (@KopRich90) March 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/CamClarkCarlton/status/1108284442240520192
The Reds are refusing to let this Shaqiri talk become an issue and will only take note if the problem continues after the international break.
