Klopp apologises to Shaqiri

Liverpool might be in seventh heaven after recording their best ever start to a season — but ruthless boss Jurgen Klopp wants more.

The Reds were inspired by Xherdan Shaqiri, who ripped Southampton to pieces in the opening 45 minutes — and was then hauled off at half- time, as Klopp demanded more from his players.

The Swiss midfielder was handed his first start for the club since joining in the summer from Stoke and played a key role in two of Liverpool’s three first- half goals.

But he was then forced to play the fall guy as he was subbed at half- time for James Milner as unhappy Klopp wanted “more control”, despite leading 3- 0.

Klopp apologised to Shaqiri after seeing his side win their sixth league game on the trot and beating PSG in the Champions League in midweek, reported the Sun.

He said: “I said to Shaqiri that I have never taken a player off at half time after such an influential half but we wanted more control. He was not injured.

“It was not easy, to be honest. It’s my job to sometimes deliver news they don’t want to hear.

“He’s a fantastic boy, so I explained it to him. Usually I don’t, but here it made sense.

“The result is really cool, the performance could have been better, that’s clear.

“We made some changes that cost us because I changed the system, and without training it’s difficult.”