Jurgen Klopp has spoken out about the war of words between Erling Haaland and Trent Alexander-Arnold, claiming there was ‘nothing wrong with his player’s comments’.
Liverpool and Man City will go head-to-head in a crucial match that could have huge implications in the title race, with Klopp’s side sitting just one point ahead of the Cityzens in the table.
But tempers flared on the pitch in the build-up to the match after Alexander-Arnold lit the test this week, implying Pep Guardiola’s side had clawed their way to 14 major trophies and the Treble under the Spaniard . He claimed that winning the title for Liverpool this season ‘means more’.
His claims were echoed yesterday by Haaland, who pushed back on the Liverpool full-backs’ claim, saying: ‘I don’t think he knows exactly what it’s like to win a Treble.’
But during his press conference on Friday, Klopp rallied around his player and claimed he believed there was nothing wrong with what Alexander-Arnold had said, noting in particular Liverpool’s mantra that ‘This means more’.
“I had a few people telling me what to say,” he said, laughing. ‘I’m not sure how many times we have to say at this club how much we respect City. Pep is the best manager in the world.
‘I have a good life, I’m not even close to that, incredible players, the best number 9, De Bruyne will go down in history with Steven Gerrard, imagine that conversation! Phil Foden, the best English player.
‘Trent understands that, but he’s a Liverpool fan, he was on the side in front of 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 and the Premier League the night before.
“Tell me a city that would do this when it looks like we won? This club is special for us. So if we feel it, why don’t we say it?
‘I’m not really interested (in outside opinions). It’s how he feels. I was told about it. I’m pretty sure he showed total respect too. Man City the most successful in years and perhaps even Europe. Ridiculous record. That means a lot to their people, I’m sure.
‘Maybe for us it’s because we haven’t won that many titles. It’s not like we win five and then six and the fifth was better. That is it. You love these interviews when someone says what they think and the whole world (reacts). We are still allowed to think whatever we want. In my opinion there is nothing wrong with what Trent said.’
Klopp was then pressed on whether Sunday’s match would be a title decider, but he dismissed those claims despite his side not underestimating the importance of the match.
‘Always big games, and probably always will be. Title race decider? I’m not sure who brought that up. Nice and early, huh? I don’t think anyone will open the champagne after the result, but it’s three points and it’s huge. An incredibly strong opponent, so we don’t hide that we want to win, but knowing how difficult it is, that’s it. It’s a big game, I understand that and I’m excited.
‘Joe Gomez is doing well. Don’t know. He was quite positive last night, thinking he made the right decision at the moment, but unfortunately it doesn’t mean much. He will definitely have a scan and I don’t have the results yet. Others are fine.”
More to follow…