Klopp comes out fighting after explaining Shaqiri decision

Jurgen Klopp has made Liverpool’s stance on Xherdan Shaqiri pretty clear after underlining the club’s decision not to take the playmaker to Serbia.

The Reds take on Red Star Belgrade in a potentially explosive Champions League tie at the Rajko Mitic Stadium – though will do so without Shaqiri, who has been left behind to avoid fanning some political tense flames.

Explaining Liverpool’s stance, Klopp did not appear happy to answer more questions on why he had been left behind.

“A lot of times in my life I make decisions about playing squads and they accept it,” Klopp said at his press conference to preview the game. “There is a statement on our website which everyone can read. We are here to play football and that’s what we want to focus on.”

Klopp was then asked what Shaqiri – the son of son of Kosovan-Albanian parents – thought of the decision.

“The player has accepted it,” he continued. “We come here as one of the biggest clubs in the world. We are here to play football and focus on that. That’s all. Xherdan will play a lot of games for this club in future but not tomorrow.”

He added: “It’s not sad, it’s the world, politics always has an influence on life. We are here to play football. We didn’t want a story beside a football story and that’s why we decided.”

READ MORE: Liverpool team news ahead of Red Star test

Klopp has already been warned to expect a difficult match by Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic and the Liverpool boss fully expects a thorough examination.

“It’s the combination of atmosphere and the football they play,” he said. “We were really good at Anfield, if we had been less strong they would have been in the game. We are from Liverpool so we know how important atmosphere can be.”

Fancy news and features on the Reds on your Facebook timeline? Like our dedicated Liverpool page.