Football

Jurgen Klopp defends Trent Alexander-Arnold over Man City trophies jibe

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Mar 10, 2024 / 9276 Views

Jurgen Klopp has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool right-back suggested his side's trophy success "means more" than rivals Manchester City.

Alexander-Arnold suggested the financial differences between Liverpool and the "machine" that is City mean the Reds' Premier League and Champions League honours hold a special importance, but plenty of criticism has come his way as a result of those comments.

City striker Erling Haaland bit back by reminding Alexander-Arnold that he won the Treble in his first season at the Etihad, while Kyle Walker admitted the Liverpool man's comments have been the talk of the dressing room in the build-up to Sunday's Game.

Asked about Alexander-Arnold's comments in his pre-match press conference, Klopp insisted there was nothing disrespectful about what was said.

"I'm not sure how often in this club we have to say that 'you know how much we respect the opponent'," Klopp said. "Pep [Guardiola] is the best manager in the world. I have a really good life being not even close to that - it's absolutely fine.

"They have incredible players and probably the best No 9 in Haaland. Kevin De Bruyne will go down in History. We all respect that and Trent respects it. But he's born in Liverpool. He played for all the youth teams. What would you think in that situation? One of our slogans is 'this means more' and it means more to us.

Alexander-Arnold will miss the Game through injury / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

"Two years ago, we had a parade for winning the FA Cup and League Cup, despite losing the Champions League final the night before and losing the league by a point. The club is special to us. When we feel that, why shouldn't we be able to discuss it? It's how he feels and how we feel.

"In England, it's ridiculous the record Manchester City has. It means a lot to them and their people but, maybe it's because we didn't win that many, it feels good as well. There's nothing wrong with what Trent said."

City boss Pep Guardiola had far less to say when asked about Alexander-Arnold, who will miss Sunday's Game with a knee injury.

"I wish him a speedy recovery and come back to the pitch as soon as possible," the City boss said. "I would answer but, why? Honestly. It is what it is."