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Xherdan Shaqiri says he wants to go to Belgrade for his Champions League fixture but he is likely to receive a hostile reception to his Kosovar heritage.
Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo as an independent state, and Shaqiri has become a focus for abuse towards the nation's footballers during the World Cup.
During the competition International Switzerland Shaqiri posted an image of his boots and the Swiss flag on the other. It was deemed provocative in Serbia and the linger memories.
Although Red Star Belgrade fans were banned from Anfield on Wednesday night, a few hundred made it into the stadium and they could be heard jeering Shaqiri.
It will be far more intimidating when Liverpool travel to the country on November 6.
"I just go there to play a football game," said Shaqiri. "It's not about politics, it's about football, I'm worried about it, I've got it already at the World Cup so I know I can handle this no problem."
Asked if he had any concern about making the trip, Shaqiri replied: "I do not really care what people are saying."
Gather
Jurgen Klopp said he would gather more information about the controversy.
"So far, I did not think about it, it just makes sense that I first think before I speak," he said.
Of more immediate contact to the Liverpool manager will be how Shaqiri is adapting to his new surroundings, his performance in midweek is complete.
Klopp described Shaqiri 's touch for Mohamed Salah' s first goal as a moment of "genius".
"I just want to say, 'thank-you' for that," said Shaqiri (below). It's a game where I'm trying my best to give him good performance. I need to try to keep going. It is a long time and we want to be successful.
"I think I have the quality and vision to give you a good deal.
"The most important thing is to win a team and it is brilliant from everyone."
Shaqiri thinks Klopp will take over Roberto Firmino's goal.
"I think the coach wanted that," he said.
"He wants us to counter-press and we are the first goal.
"Sometimes it is not easy because the manager changes a few things, but you have to do your best.
"You can see on the pitch we have a lot of good players and we are united in the Champions League." (© Daily Telegraph, London)
Reds pocket € 80m for European run
Liverpool earned more than € 80m from their run to the Champions League final last season.
Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea earned more than € 55m apiece for reaching the knockout phase, while Manchester United made € 40m after their last-16 defeat to Sevilla.
Real Madrid received € 88m after a lift for the third consecutive year.
The fund is divided up by the association of the association.
Although Italian club Roma were beaten by Liverpool in the semi-final, they were the second-most-rewarded team in the competition as the best-performing Serie A side in last season's Champions League.
Both they and Juventus earned more than € 79m. Italy had just three representatives.
The play-off defeat of Hoffenheim and early exits of Leipzig RB and Borussia Dortmund also ensured Bayern Munich profited, earning more than € 67m.
Liverpool were the third-highest earners of the competition.
Champions League competitors are guaranteed prize money for participation in each stage and then earn more rewards for victories. The prize money increases incrementally as the tournament progresses.
The difference between Champions League and Europa League qualifying is underlined in the figures Arsenal earned € 37m from their campaign.
In this season's Champions League, group-stage wins are worth € 2.6m and draws € 900,000.
Irish Independent
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