“Imagine that conversation!” – Jurgen Klopp issues lengthy praise of Manchester City following Trent Alexander-Arnold comments

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued a lengthy comment of praise on Manchester City and their world class elements as a response to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s comments on the club in recent days.

The England international defender seemingly hit out at Manchester City’s success over the last decade, insisting that despite the greater number trophies won at the Etihad Stadium compared to Anfield, victory means more to Liverpool supporters.

Alexander-Arnold suggested that it was down to the manner in which success has been gained at Manchester City through spending power, sparking a debate online about the comments on the eve of such a big occasion on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland issued the biggest response in light of the comments, insisting that the feeling endured by himself after winning last season’s Treble could not be felt by Alexander-Arnold, as he has not achieved such a feat.

Responding to comments made by Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the subsequent backlash from the likes of Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias at Manchester City, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said, “I had a few people telling me what I should say.”

He continued, “I am not sure how often we have to say in this club how often we respect (Manchester) City. Pep (Guardiola) is the best manager in the world.

“I have a good life not being even close to that, incredible players, the best No 9, (Kevin) De Bruyne will go down in history with Steven Gerrard, imagine that conversation! Phil Foden, the best English player.”

Despite the backlash from Manchester City fans and players to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s comments over the past few days, Jurgen Klopp is convinced that his full-back ‘showed total respect’ to the Etihad Stadium organisation, whilst offering more outstanding praise.

“I am pretty sure he showed total respect as well. Man City; the most successful in years and maybe Europe. Ridiculous record. Means a lot for their people I am sure,” Klopp said.

“Maybe for us it’s because we didn’t win that many (Premier League titles). It’s not that we win five and then six and the fifth was better. That’s it. You love these interviews when someone says what they think and the whole world (reacts).

“It’s still allowed to think what we want. Nothing wrong with what Trent said in my view.”

Manchester City go head-to-head with the Merseyside club on Sunday afternoon, knowing that victory in the Premier League title battle would move them to the top of the division and clear by two points.

However, City fans and players will be well aware of the poor record at Anfield in the last few meetings, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat during last season’s affair and having only won in recent times during the ‘Covid era’ but winning 1-4 on the night.

City are taking precautions of their own ahead of the meeting, opting to remain in Manchester on the eve of the game to mitigate the risk of Liverpool fans causing problems outside a team hotel on Merseyside, while local police forces have ensured they will be placing extra focus on the Premier League champions’ bus route into Anfield.