Shaqiri: My relationship with Klopp is so important

The Switzerland international’s match-winning double against Manchester United last Sunday increased his goal tally to five in 17 appearances since joining the club in the summer.

Beyond those strikes, however, Shaqiri’s seamless adaptation to life at Anfield – as well as his efforts on the pitch – has allowed him to quickly become a fan favourite.

For that, the man himself attributes significant credit to Klopp.

“The manager is, for me, the most important thing,” said the No.23.

“Also with the move – he wanted me to come here and from the beginning we had some very good conversations, and also funny conversations!

“I feel very good with him and it is important to have a good relationship with the coach. I like that he is very modest, a very good character and you can joke with him – but on the other side of things you have to perform.

“That’s important to be successful together and I hope we can have a lot of successful times at Liverpool.”

The Reds top the Premier League table as the frantic festive fixture period looms.

Klopp’s men hold a one-point lead over Manchester City and have yet to be beaten this season, ahead of Friday night’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Shaqiri experienced the demands of December and January in English football during his spell at Stoke City and feels Liverpool are equipped to maintain their high levels through the winter.

“It is difficult but we have the quality to play like this, to stay like this, to stay focused on all these games,” he said.

“We are going to have a lot of games and of course every team wants to beat you, but we want to be on a good run until the end of the season.

“When we play so many games like this it is very difficult, so we just have to stay focused for every game and work hard in training. Every game has its own story so we have to close the last game and prepare for the next one.”