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Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hugging Trent Alexander-Arnold on his leaving day (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp came to the defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold after recent criticism of the Liverpool vice-captain.

Out of contract in the summer, subject to a Real Madrid transfer and after a less than ideal performance against Manchester United in the Reds' most recent Premier League clash, the German was having none of the assertions his former player 'can't defend'.

Alexander-Arnold emerged from the Liverpool academy with perfect timing, handed his debut by Klopp in 2016 and then a year on breaking into the first team upon a Nathaniel Clyne injury.



From there looking back was never an option, with all events of course leading to the present day situation.

Klopp's departure was just one matter that needed a swift resolution last term when arguably Alexander-Arnold's contract - along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's - would have taken top priority.

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Midway through January and the vice captain is yet to put pen to paper on a renewed deal.

So poor, really," Klopp said.

Alexander-Arnold delivered a much-improved showing in the FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley at the weekend, scoring in a comfortable win.

The former Reds boss was speaking on Tuesday for the first time publicly in an official manner since departing Anfield, having now taken up a new position as Red Bull's global head of soccer.

"I'm really happy that I'm a part of that, I've watched a few of the press conferences when he [Arne Slot] had to talk about it thinking 'oh my god, they still don't understand it!'

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"And yes, he didn't play well against Manchester United but if we would make such a fuss of it when he plays well, like making a fuss of it when he doesn't play well, that would be really a cool planet."

Alexander-Arnold was one of those in tears on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign at Anfield, as post-match against Wolves Klopp was given his guard of honour and gave a parting speech.

Their bond has always been strong and Klopp has expressed once again just how talented the player is, as owners FSG continue towards resolving this contract issue.


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