Xherdan Shaqiri has insisted he is happy at Liverpool, despite the lack of playing time on offer at Anfield.
The Switzerland forward moved to Merseyside from Stoke City last year, joining the Reds in a £13m deal.
He was brought to the club to add experienced back-up to forwards Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, a role that’s he’s filled to varying levels of success.
Last season saw him make 30 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, but only half of those were as a starter, while all of his four appearances this year have been from the bench.
That’s sparked suggestions he may be unhappy at the club, but Shaqiri insists that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Of course I’m dissatisfied that I do not play more often,” he told Schweizer-Illustrierte.
“If that’s not the reaction of a pro, he’s in the wrong job. He (Jürgen 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.”
Given the lack of playing time on offer at Liverpool, it would be easy for Shaqiri to regret making the move in the first place.
At Stoke, he was one of the first names on the team-sheet and could have enjoyed the same role at another club if he had sought it out.
Instead, he is sitting on the bench at Liverpool, waiting eagerly to take opportunities when they arise.
They have on occasions, such as his two goals against Manchester United last season or playing his role in the epic comeback over Barcelona in the Champions League.
Those are the moments Shaqiri looks at when assessing things now, insisting because of them he is happy in Liverpool.
“Not a second did I regret the move to Liverpool,” he 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. “
