Erling Haaland has responded to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s provocative comments about Manchester City’s financial situation ahead of Liverpool’s crucial clash with the Premier League leaders.
Alexander-Arnold suggested earlier this week that Liverpool’s achievements under Jurgen Klopp ‘mean more’, implying that City have spent their way to 14 major trophies under Pep Guardiola’s management.
The rivals will meet at Anfield on Sunday with only a point separating them in the title race and possibly for the last time before Klopp leaves in the summer.
Alexander-Arnold’s remarks have added fuel to a fiery rivalry that does not need any extra provocation.
Haaland sarcastically responded, saying: ‘If he wants to say that, OK. I’ve been here one year and I’ve won the Treble and it was quite a nice feeling. I don’t think he knows exactly this feeling.
‘They can talk as much as they want. He can talk as much as he wants. I don’t know why he does that but I don’t mind.’
After advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night, City are still competing in all three major tournaments. Liverpool, who won the Carabao Cup this season, are also chasing four trophies.
The title race will be influenced by Sunday’s showdown on Merseyside, as City aim to make history by winning four consecutive titles and Liverpool try to give Klopp a perfect farewell.
Alexander-Arnold, who has six career trophies, told FourFourTwo in an interview that their individual awards have more significance.
‘Looking back on this era, although they’ve (City) won more titles than us and have probably been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase because of the situations at both clubs financially,’ the defender said.
‘How both clubs have built their teams and the manner in which we’ve done it, probably means more to our fans. t’s tough. We’re up against a machine that’s built to win – that’s the simplest way to describe City and their organisation.’
Alexander-Arnold’s argument echoes the occasional comments that Klopp has made during his nine-year tenure.
Liverpool have been using the slogan ‘this means more’ for a long time and it is displayed on the Anfield tunnel.
On Sunday, Haaland will see it as City try to achieve their third win there in 21 years.
‘It’s a really special game,’ the striker added. ‘Really important. That’s what is nice about the Premier League, there are so many who are so good. So many can win the Premier League.
‘The last years it’s been Manchester City and we’re going to try to do it again. It’s not going to be easy but we are good.’