Jurgen Klopp insists Xherdan Shaqiri accepted his decision to leave him in Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp dismissed any suggestion Xherdan Shaqiri may have been angry to have been dropped for Liverpools clash against Red Star Belgrade.

Shaqiri has been left behind in Liverpool for the Champions League game due to his history with Serbian fans.

Klopp wants to avoid any potential distractions for his squad, and Shaqiri would have certainly been targeted by Serbian fans.

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Liverpool would probably have called on Shaqiri but for the political tensions, but Klopp insisted there was no issue between him and his player.

Yes, Klopp replied when asked if Shaqiri accepted his decision. A lot of times in my life I make decisions about playing squads and they accept it.

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There is a statement on our website which everyone can read. We are here to play football and thats what we want to focus on.

Hes our player and he will play a lot of games for us, but not tomorrow.

In other circumstances Shaqiri would have been a certain starter against the Champions League minnows.

Shaqiri was born in Kosovo and has attracted criticism from Serbia, who do not recognize the states independence.

Liverpool are keen to avoid any distractions for the match and are wary of the hostile reception Shaqiri would receive, so have left him out of the squad – though Naby Keita and Dejan Lovren return.

Its not sad, its the world, politics always has an influence on life, Klopp continued.

We are here to play football. We didnt want a story beside a football story and thats why we decided.

MORE: Jurgen Klopp confirms Xherdan Shaqiri will miss Red Star clash but two players return to squad

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