I've been made a scapegoat, says Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey
Midfielder was blamed for 3-1 defeat at Stoke City on Boxing Day
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey suggested yesterday that he was made the scapegoat for his team's poor performance in the 3-1 defeat at Stoke City on Boxing Day – since when he has been left out on the periphery of the first-team.
The 20-year-old midfielder made a promising start to the season under Brendan Rodgers, culminating in his first senior England appearance in October's World Cup qualifier against San Marino. However, after 14 league appearances until Christmas, Shelvey has not featured in the Premier League since the loss at Stoke.
He said: "I played against Stoke and obviously I didn't have too great a game. I had a few personal issues that were going on in my life. I didn't think I was the only one that had a bad game that day but I was the one that suffered if you know what I mean."
Shelvey, speaking ahead of England Under-21s' friendly against Sweden in Walsall on Tuesday night, has started one game since – the FA Cup third-round tie at Mansfield – though he came off the bench for the fourth-round defeat at Oldham. "You just have to take it on the chin and work hard in training and try to get myself back in the team which I'm trying to do," he added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments