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Liverpool vs Napoli: ‘Klopp cannot rely on him’ - McManaman praises ONE key decision
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp cannot completely rely on Xherdan Shaqiri - that is why he did not start against Napoli on Tuesday.
That is according to TV pundit and former Liverpool and England midfielder Steve McManaman.
Shaqiri was named on the bench for the must-win Champions League clash at Anfield.
Klopp went for his tried and tested midfield trio of James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool vs Napoli LIVE: Champions League latest score and updates
I don’t think he can fully, it’s not trust, but rely, trust on Shaqiri
That meant Mohamed Salah shifted out on the right after scoring a hat-trick playing as a central striker against Bournemouth.
Liverpool went into the game knowing they had to win to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16.
And McManaman says the size of the occasion reflected in Klopp’s selection.
“I think he can rely on that three at the moment can’t he,” McManaman said of the midfield on BT Sport.
“I don’t think he can fully, it’s not trust, but rely, trust on Shaqiri.
“Naby Keita has been playing well of late, certainly against Bournemouth, against Burnley.
“But could he do it tonight on such a big night?
“I think because it’s such a big occasion and he needs to rely totally 100 per cent on the players, he’s gone for that midfield three.”
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand singled out Alisson and Virgil van Dijk as two key players ahead of the Napoli clash.
“This year I’ve seen a more calm and composed side to this team in terms of defensive areas and managing games,” Ferdinand said.
“And that comes from the new signings in the backline in terms of Virgil van Dijk and also the goalkeeper.
“I think they have been huge additions in terms of the calming influence they have throughout this team.”
Dejan Lovren was not fit enough to start for Liverpool, with Joel Matip partnering Virgil van Dijk in Joe Gomez's absence.