Here are your Liverpool morning headlines for Friday, 25 September.
Klopp admits Shaqiri substitute error
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained that fears over Xherdan Shaqiri’s ankle led to him substituting the Swiss midfielder during the Reds’ 7-2 Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City last night.
Shaqiri was replaced in the 75th minute after producing a stellar performance that featured a stunning free-kick to put Liverpool 1-0 up.
And while Klopp admitted he was wrong to take him off, the German praised Shaqiri for excelling in a slightly deeper role at Sincil Bank.
“He [Shaqiri] had a super game,” said Klopp.
“A super game in a not quite unfamiliar position but slightly deeper in midfield – he did really, really well.
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“It was my fault [he was substituted] – I was afraid he twisted his ankle slightly but he was completely fine it was absolutely nothing – he just touched it twice but I think it was good then to take him off.
“But he played a really, really good game. The set pieces were outstanding – especially the free-kick he scored, what a goal that was!
“There is no doubt about Shaqi’s quality – there was never.
“At the moment everything looks really good and looks really promising, so we will see.”
Jones vindicates transfer decision with star turn
Curtis Jones showed why Liverpool are refusing to send him on loan with an impressive two-goal performance in the win over Lincoln.
Beyond his two goals, Jones was a constant threat, driving the Reds up the pitch with his pace and penetrative passing, as explained by the ECHO’s Conor Dunn.
With an eye-catching list of attributes to accompany his sky-rocketing confidence, Jones appears to be on the cusp of genuinely challenging for a spot in Klopp’s first-choice XI.
Still only 19, Jones will be hoping to replicate his assertive performance when the Reds host Arsenal for a spot in the quarter-finals next week.
Appleton reveals Klopp message
Lincoln boss Michael Appleton praised Reds boss Klopp after exchanging pleasantries with the German on the touchline at the end of Thursday night’s clash.
Appleton admitted that his players were simply outclassed by a much-changed Liverpool, who showed a ruthless streak in front of goal.
“Jurgen just came over and said well played and good luck for the rest of the season, which is a nice touch from him,” Appleton said.
“He’s done a great job there over the last few years. They had a good mix of experience and youth today.
“I thought we saw a masterclass of finishing from Liverpool in the first half. If we put a bucket in the top corner, they would have hit it every time. There were some fantastic finishes. You get punished by these types of sides.”
