Jurgen Klopp has upheld Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool full-back stated that his team's trophies 'mean more' than those won by Manchester City.
Liverpool face City at Anfield on Sunday in an exciting Premier League title clash which will be the final top-flight match between Klopp and Pep Guardiola.
Speaking before the game, Alexander-Arnold fueled the fire by implying that City's accomplishments didn't matter as much because of their financial power.
In response, City's Erling Haaland, who achieved the treble in his first season in England, teased the Liverpool player, suggesting Alexander-Arnold may not 'know the feeling' of winning a treble.
The exchange has added an extra element to Sunday's grudge match, but Klopp has stated he sees nothing wrong with Alexander-Arnold's comments.
'I am not sure how often we have to express in this club how much 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' implies 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 boosted in midweek with the return of Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai as they easily won 5-1 away against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.
Perhaps the only negative point was Ibrahima Konate, who was taken out 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 quite optimistic last night, thought he made the right decision at the moment but it doesn't mean a lot unfortunately,' he said. 'He will definitely have a scan and I don't have the results yet. Others are fine.'
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