Klopp on rotation
Jurgen Klopp admits Xherdan Shaqiri is staking a claim for a full debut as the Liverpool boss considers changes for Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton at Anfield.
The Swiss international has caught the eye in three substitute appearances for the Reds since his Ł13million summer move from Stoke City.
“Very lively, very positive,” said Klopp, when asked to assess Shaqiri's impact so far.
“It’s not only from the performances but also as a guy in the dressing room.
“Everyone loves Shaq, that's how it is, without playing plenty of minutes and that is more my mistake than his.
“He has done everything to play, to be honest. I made different decisions but his time will come, that's for sure.”
Naby Keita is likely to return in midfield and Klopp must also decide whether to recall Roberto Firmino at the expense of Daniel Sturridge, who marked his first start of the season with the opening goal in Tuesday's thrilling 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Saturday will be Liverpool's third match in a run of seven games in the space of 23 days and Klopp says mixing things up will help his side to surprise opponents.
“We are going to have use the boys now,” Klopp added.
“They are in good shape. You saw it with Daniel but Daniel is not the only one scratching the door. They all want to play.
“They want to feature and that is what we have to do for sure. It should not be that we are in any way predictable so that people say: 'Okay, that is how they play, 4-3-3, this is the front three, two of them can maybe change in midfield, the front line is always the same.'
“Yes, that's good but we have to create something where the boys not only push from the bench but they push with their performance on the field as well.
“We have to give opportunity but only if they are in good shape. Then it is my job to decide who will start.”
