Dissatisfied Xherdan Shaqiri in boastful mood at Liverpool
Xherdan Shaqiri has boasted about his transfer to Liverpool after claiming he was written off at Stoke and says he’s a “leader” at Anfield.
The 27-year-old winger moved from relegated Stoke to Liverpool in the summer of 2018 after the Reds triggered his £13million release clause – a move which Shaqiri points out does not happen often.
The Swiss wide man has also boasted about his inclusion in the Liverpool side which famously roared to a 4-0 second-leg win over Barecelona in the Champions League at Anfield.
He has been struggling with a calf injury in recent weeks and was not available for Liverpool’s win over Leicester City.
Shaqiri though accepts his limited game time is a source of frustration, with just 14 minutes of action under his belt in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Shaqiri told Schweizer Illustrierte: “Of course I’m dissatisfied that I do not play more often.
“If that is not the reaction of a pro, he’s in the wrong job. He (Klopp) cannot personally discuss the role of each player, that’s normal.
“We have a big, talented squad, and many have to wait for their chance. I have never had a problem with the coach. He knows that I am ready.
Despite his recent struggles, Shaqiri insists he’s never regretted the move he made from Stoke to Merseyside and still sees himself as a ‘leader’ in the Liverpool dressing room.
“Not for a second have I regretted the move to Liverpool,” Shaqiri added. “Many wrote me off in Stoke, but who can claim to have switched directly from a relegated side to a Champions League winner?
“I was in the starting XI in the return leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, which will go down in club history. And because of my two goals to defeat everlasting rival Manchester United , they still often call me a legend.
“Apart from the fact that I would like to play more, I’m happy in Liverpool. I have a certain status in the team because I am one of the more experienced players. I think I’m one of the leaders.”