Shaqiri did not start in the derby against Lausanne; coach explains why

Xherdan Shaqiri, in a surprising move, did not start for Basel in their home match against Lausanne on Sunday.

The Swiss champions continued their poor run at “St. Jakob-Park”, failing to score in a home game for the third consecutive time, as the Swiss Super League match ended goalless.

Shaqiri came on in the second half and had the best chance of the match, but failed to convert it, leaving Basel without the win they had hoped for in front of their home fans.

Basel coach Ludovic Magnin has explained why he decided to have the team captain start on the bench.

“We spoke after the match against Aston Villa about how he was feeling and the condition of his muscles. We then analysed the physical data and decided that he would play as a substitute,” Magnin said.

Basel continues to be heavily reliant on Xherdan Shaqiri’s form, while any dip in his physical condition or absence from the lineup is immediately reflected in the team’s results and creativity.

This season, Basel are fourth after 17 rounds with 28 points, six fewer than current leaders Thun.