After Trent Alexander-Arnold’s possible transfer to Real Madrid was announced earlier this month, supporters jeered him. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has responded to the jeers. The great German, who is returning to a city he can rightfully call home forever, made a passionate plea for Reds fans to show their farewell right-back some love during his final match on Sunday.
Since Klopp last visited Merseyside, a lot has changed, not the least of which is that the Reds are currently enjoying their 20th league championship. Arne Slot’s first season as manager has obviously continued where Klopp’s reign left off, planting the seeds for long-term success and demonstrating that the narrative never ends—it always changes.
Jurgen Klopp Defends Trent Alexander-Arnold In Rallying Cry
The German admitted he turned the TV off after hearing him booed
Slot partially fuelled Alexander-Arnold’s criticism earlier this week when the current Liverpool manager acknowledged that he wasn’t always pleased with the right-back’s training effort. This occurred at the Dutchman’s season-ending pre-game press conference. Liverpool will play FA Cup champions Crystal Palace on Sunday, and the following afternoon, they will raise the trophy and parade it around the city in an open-top bus procession.
However, when Alexander-Arnold leaves his boyhood club this weekend, Klopp was quick to give a moving address in the city’s cathedral a few days later to remind his supporters of the legacy he leaves behind. Merseyside pays attention when the Red Bull Head of Global Soccer talks, and he effectively reduced the tension once more. He stated (see his entire statement below) as he held up a shirt that he and Trent had signed and that had since sold for £22,000:
“Remember what he has done for this club, but don’t be disappointed either. I turned off the TV when I heard the jeering. Nothing could have disappointed me more. This is not who we are.
Klopp continued by reciting just a handful of the several instances in which Alexander-Arnold played the part of superhero to help Liverpool turn back the clock on their path to a success that will never be forgotten, including his free-kick against Hoffenheim when he was eighteen and his swiftly taken corner against Barcelona.
Alexander-Arnold would be making his 354th appearance for the team if he were to play against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
As of right now, Alexander-Arnold has 92 assists and 23 goals for the team. The full-back has won the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, Premier League, and Champions League. This Sunday, Alexander-Arnold will receive his second Premier League winners’ medal.
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