Jurgen Klopp has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool full-back claimed that his side’s trophies ‘mean more’ than those won by Manchester City.
Liverpool face City at Anfield on Sunday in a mouth-watering Premier League title clash which will be the last top-flight fixture between Klopp and Pep Guardiola.
Speaking ahead of the game, Alexander-Arnold fanned the flames by suggesting that City’s achievements didn’t mean as much due to their financial powers.
In response, City’s Erling Haaland, who won the treble in his first season in England, poked fun at the Liverpool player, noting Alexander-Arnold may not ‘know the feeling’ of winning a treble.
The back-and-forth has added an extra layer to Sunday’s grudge match, but Klopp has said he sees nothing wrong with Alexander-Arnold’s comments.
‘I am not sure how often we have to say in this club how often we respect City,’ the German began, speaking at his pre-match press conference.
‘Trent understands that but he is a Liverpool fan, he stood on the sides before the pitch. Our slogan ‘This Means More’ means it means more to us.
‘Two years ago, we had a parade after losing the Champions League the night before. Tell me a city that would do this where it looks like we won? This club is special to us. So if we feel it, why not say it? I am not really interested [in other opinions]. It’s how he feels. I am pretty sure he showed total respect as well.
‘Man City are the most successful in years and maybe Europe and it means a lot for their people I am sure. Maybe for us, it’s because we didn’t win that many. It’s not that we won five and then six and the fifth was better.
‘You love these interviews when someone says what they think and the whole world [reacts]. He’s still allowed to think what he wants. Nothing wrong with what Trent said in my view.’
Liverpool were buoyed in midweek with the return of Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai as they romped to a 5-1 away win against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.
Perhaps the only sour note was Ibrahima Konate, who was withdrawn in the second half with a suspected injury, although Klopp revealed it was too early to know if he would be ruled out of Sunday’s fixture.
‘He was rather positive last night, thought he made the right decision at the moment but it doesn’t mean a lot unfortunately,’ he said. ‘He will have a scan definitely and I don’t have the results yet. Others are fine.’
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