LIVERPOOL, England — Fabinho has told ESPN Brasil that he is now playing with confidence after a slow start to his Liverpool career, but does not know whether he can be deemed a regular starter yet.
Jurgen Klopp said Fabinho was “absolutely outstanding” on Sunday in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over rivals Manchester United.
The win that took Liverpool back to the top of the table was just the midfielder’s sixth Premier League start since moving to Anfield from Monaco as part of a €50 million transfer in the summer.
“I don’t know if I am a starter now,” Fabinho said. “I have played a lot in the last few games and I have to make the most of the opportunities. I am playing with confidence; I understand well with my teammates. As I always say it is a decision for the coach.
“Against Napoli, other teammates played and they did very well. Today we played with different players and the team maintained the same level which is the most important. I’m very happy.”
Sadio Mane gave Liverpool a deserved lead in the 25th minute before an error from goalkeeper Alisson allowed Jesse Lingard to equalise and unsettle the hosts.
Another summer recruit, Xherdan Shaqiri, proved to be the match-winner against United as he came off the bench in the 70th minute to score twice within the space of seven minutes.
“The three points are very important to continue at the top of the table and also because it was a very important game for the fans, against Manchester United,” Fabinho said. “It is a classic game here. It was very important. We knew that if we played with full strength, if we did our best, we would have big chances to win, and that is what happened.”
Shaqiri, a £13m signing from relegated Stoke City, said he was disappointed to start on the bench against United.
However, the forward fully took on board his manager’s tactical instructions when introduced to the game with the scoreline at 1-1.
“Obviously I’d be lying if I said you are not disappointed when you are on the bench — every player is disappointed when he’s on the bench,” Shaqiri said.
“But I always stay positive and try to help the team when I come on and you saw today when I came on I tried to help the team and to have an impact.
“In the end, I scored two goals and we won the game and that’s, for me, the most important thing in the end.
“He [Klopp] said to me he wanted me to be in the game directly. I tried to be direct in the game and you can see also I prepared myself very [well].
“I watched the game from outside also, so you can see the spaces and there were a lot of spaces between the lines. I am very good between the lines and try to stay there and pick the ball up to have an impact and stay in the game.
“In the end, I scored two goals and we won the game. That’s a perfect day for us.”
Meanwhile, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has said he believes Ovie Ejaria has made the wrong decision in ending his loan spell in Glasgow early and returning to Liverpool.
Ejaria joined Rangers on a season-long loan in June and made 28 appearances for the Scottish side, but returned to his parent club on Saturday after feeling unsettled in Scotland.
“Look, he’s a Liverpool player, so I first and foremost have to respect the kid and the privacy,” Gerrard said. “I’d like to thank Liverpool for the opportunity to have him here for half the season.
“Am I disappointed he’s gone? Yes. Do I think it’s the right decision? No, because I think he had an incredible opportunity here.
“But I’m never going to stand in a player’s way who is not happy and who is not settled because I have people who are desperate to wear the shirt and who would run through brick walls to wear it.
“It is what it is. I have to accept the decision. I’m sad about it, I wish him all the best. He’s a nice kid, very quiet. He told me it was 100 percent football reasons and I have [to] respect that.”