Erling Halaand has delivered a scathing retort to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who said that Liverpool winning titles “means more” than Manchester City.
The two teams will meet battle at Anfield on Sunday in a game with major ramifications for the Premier League title chase. Alexander-Arnold fueled the rivalry that has dominated the English top flight in recent years by contrasting their previous successes.
“It’s challenging. We’re up against a machine designed to win, and that’s the simplest way to characterize City and their structure,” Alexander-Arnold told Four Four Two. “Looking back on this era, while they may have won more titles and been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase due to the financial realities of both teams.
“How both clubs have built their teams and the manner in which we’ve done it, probably means more to our fans.”
Haaland has now responded directly to those remarks in an interview with Sky Sports. And he made it clear that he believes Liverpool is in no position to compare themselves to City, having won the treble with them last year.
“If he wants to say it, that’s fine,” Haaland replied. “I’ve been here a year and won the treble, which was a very good feeling.
“I don’t think he understands this emotion. That’s how I felt last season; it was extremely enjoyable.”
When asked if the comments brought spice to Sunday’s game, he said, “No, they can talk as much as they want, and he can talk as much as he wants.” I’m not sure why he does that, but I don’t mind.
The Norwegian striker expects a “great game” and believes it will be a memorable occasion at Anfield. Only one point separates the two teams at the top of the table, with Liverpool retaining a slim lead over the reigning champions.
Haaland stated, “It’s going to be a tremendous game. Liverpool are now leading the league, and they have been the best team this season, so we must do our best.
“I think City-Liverpool is a really special game in general, so it’s going to be a special game and it’s going to be a really important game.”
Manchester City is concerned about Jérémy Doku’s fitness before of the game. He missed their Champions League victory over Copenhagen, and Pep Guardiola stated he is suffering from “muscular problems”.
Mohamed Salah’s return to the matchday squad for Liverpool’s Europa League trip to Sparta Prague gives the club a boost. There are high hopes that he will be able to play against City, providing a significant boost to Jürgen Klopp’s club.
