Jurgen Klopp says he switched off his television when he saw that Trent Alexander-Arnold was being booed by some Liverpool fans against Arsenal, with the German hitting out at the treatment of the Reds’ number 66.
A portion of Liverpool fans chose to voice their displeasure at Alexander-Arnold’s imminent exit during the 2-2 draw with the Gunners at Anfield a couple of weeks ago. Since then, Arne Slot didn’t bring him off the bench against Brighton; no decision has been made yet on whether he will be fielded against Crystal Palace.
While some fans booed, others clapped. In the stadium, it was difficult to work out exactly what the split was, but the jeers sounded the loudest to the worldwide audience.
“I’m not saying don’t be disappointed but don’t forget what he’s done for this club,” Klopp said this evening, via James Pearce, at a gala for the LFC Foundation. “I heard the booing, I switched the TV off. I couldn’t have been more disappointed. This isn’t us.”
Klopp was holding up an Alexander-Arnold shirt for auction at the time. It was sold for $30k (£22k) to raise money for the LFC Foundation charity, which Klopp is an honorary ambassador for.
It was also revealed at the event that Klopp donated $113k (£84k) to the foundation when he left Liverpool last summer. That money helps the initiatives that support the local community.
(Image: Getty Images)
On Alexander-Arnold, Slot said in his press conference earlier: “I hope the same for every other player that contributed to us winning the league, that they will get the reception every player deserves.
“All have worked so hard, not only this season, but throughout their careers to achieve something like this. They did this for themselves, but partly also driven by our fans.
“It would be fantastic, if it’s only going to be a positive moment for everyone at the club, and Trent is part of that. I hope I can influence them, but they have their own opinion as well.”
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Mohamed Salah has also spoken about Alexander-Arnold ahead of his exit. “I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him,” the Egyptian told Sky Sports just over a week ago.
“I think he didn’t deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans. We shouldn’t act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people, who came here even for six months.
“Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It’s shouldn’t be like this. I hope that will change next game, against Brighton or in the last game of the season, because he deserves the farewell.”
Alexander-Arnold is going to join Real Madrid as a free agent. He will link up with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is set to take over as head coach at the Bernabeu.
