Jurgen Klopp has dismissed fears Xherdan Shaqiri will be affected by his surprise substitution – as he revealed how Liverpool's players are rallying around Mohamed Salah.

Shaqiri, making his first start for the club following his summer move from Stoke City, had a hand in two goals as the Reds maintained their 100% start to the season with a 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

Klopp tweaked his regular formation to accommodate the Switzerland international in an attacking midfield role, but then reverted to his usual approach by replacing the 26-year-old with James Milner for the second half.

But the Reds boss has no concerns Shaqiri's confidence could have taken a knock as a result.

“No, because I explained it (to him),” said Klopp. “Now it is done. It's not because of his performance, I made a decision that I wanted to bring him in to play between the lines.

“But how can you change a system in an intense period? Changing system and not having real time to do it in training doesn't feel comfortable.

“You saw it. Defensively we are used to jumping from midfield positions, and on Saturday that made it difficult. Offensively, really I liked it. Defensively, we need to work on it.

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“I'm not worried it will cost his confidence. He is a naturally confident boy, and he will play again. It's all good.”

Shaqiri's shot deflected in off Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt for the opener, and it was after his 25-yard free-kick struck the crossbar that Salah scored on the stroke of half-time.

That was his third goal in seven appearances this season, only one fewer than his tally at this stage last term despite criticism in some quarters over his performances in recent weeks.

Salah had come close on several occasions on Saturday before scoring, and Klopp pointed to the obvious delight shown by his Liverpool team-mates when celebrating the goal.

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“The boys are really smart, they know we need him in a good moment,” said the Reds boss. “That's clear.

“They don't celebrate a goal for Mo more than they do for Sadio or Joel Matip, in fact they were probably quite happy with Joel as well, it's been a while since he last scored. The group is a very good group. They want to support each other if they can.

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“A lot of people after three games this season were asking 'wow, what changed?' (about Salah), but he still had good moments in the game on Saturday.

“The chance he missed with the backheel, that was one of the best situations he has had since he came here, and only missed the goal by an inch.

“That's unlucky. Last year, these balls were all going in. You have to work for that again.

“We need to all stay confident in these moments, not only him. If the players helped him with the celebration, then I wouldn't be surprised as they are a really good group.”