Former Stoke manager defend Shaqiri amid Adam relegation claim

Paul Lambert has defended Shaqiri over claim by Charlie Adam that the Swiss failed to give his best to save Stoke City from relegation last season

In July 13th Liverpool announced the signing of Xherdan Shaqriri and the move was followed by critics from the Swiss former club team mate and former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam.

Adam blamed the 26-year-old for not trying enough to help Stoke City escape being relegated last season, admitting Shaqiri's heart was only set on the World Cup while he was also aware he will soon join the Reds.

"He has got it in him, but he probably knew we were going to get relegated, he was going to the World Cup and had this big move - this move was probably done three, four months ago," he told BBC Sport in July.

"He is a match-winner, but at times it was difficult to play in the same team. The manager would let him get away with certain things."

But Lambert who managed Stoke City last season has ruled out such claim as he blamed it on Adam instead. 


Shaqiri first scored the equalizer for Stoke City before they won a late penalty in their 1-1 tie with Brighton at the Bet365 Stadium in February.

Adam late spot kick was saved by Brighton's Mat Ryan and the rebound cleared before he could reach it and Lambert think that was the lost chance that led to Stoke hard struggle.

Lambert told beIN Sports: "All in all, he (Shaqiri) had eight goals and seven assists or something. He was brilliant for me."

“People can say ‘He never worked back’ but listen, if he’s creating something at the top end of the pitch, then you’ve got a chance. Fifteen games, I never had one problem.

“He was great to work with, never had any problem with him switching off, turning off, not trying, not wanting it - and that’s me being honest.

“I couldn’t argue about what Shaq done for us. He was a terrific player, never had one bit of bother. I always think these type of players are temperamental a little bit and that’s not a slant on him at all."

"If we had beaten Brighton, as I said before."

"We had a great chance to do it with a penalty and Charlie should have scored the penalty. If he had done that, we would have been totally fine."