The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter between Liverpool and Manchester City - a match that could significantly impact the Premier League title race. With the Reds holding a narrow one-point lead over City in the league table, Sunday's showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the season.

However, tensions escalated in the lead-up to the match when Alexander-Arnold suggested that City had acquired their success through financial muscle-flexing and hence the titles won at Merseyside hold more value than at the Etihad. He emphasised the emotional attachment and significance of winning the title for Liverpool, claiming that it "means more" to his team.

Erling Haaland responded sharply to Alexander-Arnold's comments, asserting the importance of winning the treble and implying that the Liverpool full-back may not fully comprehend the feeling of such achievement as he has yet to win one. Despite the backlash, Klopp stood firmly by Alexander-Arnold, stating that he saw nothing wrong with his player's remarks. He further highlighted one of the club's slogans, "this means more," to emphasise the emotional connection and passion associated with representing Liverpool in the defence of his player.

Speaking to reporters, Klopp said: "I had a few people telling me what I should say (laughs). I am not sure how often in this club that we have to say how much we respect City. Pep is the best manager in the world. They have incredible players. At the moment they have the best No 9, Haaland, who scores when he wants. Kevin De Bruyne will go down in history with players like Steven Gerrard! Phil Foden, the best English player at the moment. We all respect that.