Jurgen Klopp has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back claimed that Liverpool’s trophies “mean more” than those of Manchester City.
The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter between Liverpool and Manchester City – a match that could significantly impact the Premier League title race.
With the Reds holding a narrow one-point lead over City in the league table, Sunday’s showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the season.
However, tensions escalated in the lead-up to the match when Alexander-Arnold suggested that City had achieved their success through substantial financial investments, insinuating that the titles won at Merseyside hold more value than those at the Etihad.
He emphasised the emotional attachment and significance of winning the title for Liverpool, claiming that it “means more” to his team.
Erling Haaland responded emphatically to Alexander-Arnold’s comments, stressing the significance of winning the treble and subtly suggesting that the Liverpool full-back might not fully grasp the feeling of such an achievement, given that he has yet to win one himself.
Despite the backlash, Klopp has stood unwaveringly by Alexander-Arnold.
Speaking to reporters, Klopp said: “I had a few people telling me what I should say (laughs). I am not sure how often in this club that we have to say how much we respect City.
“Pep is the best manager in the world. They have incredible players. At the moment they have the best No 9, Haaland, who scores when he wants.
“Kevin De Bruyne will go down in history with players like Steven Gerrard! Phil Foden, the best English player at the moment. We all respect that.
“Trent respects that. But he is born in Liverpool, he stood on the bins [outside Melwood to watch players train as a kid].
“What would you think in that situation? One of our slogans, that I love, is ‘this means more’. It means more to us.
“This club is special to us. So if we feel it, why shouldn’t we be allowed to say it? I am not really interested [in outside opinions]. It’s just how he feels.
“How we feel and I have absolutely no problem about that. I just got told about it. I am pretty sure he showed total respect as well. In the last decade, Man City is the most successful team in English football and maybe Europe.
“It’s ridiculous record they have. It means a lot for their people I am sure. We’re still allowed to think what we want. But nothing wrong with what Trent said in my view.”
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