2 weeks ago
8
Jurgen Klopp has already made his expectations abundantly clear regarding how Liverpool supporters should behave when Trent Alexander-Arnold makes his return to Anfield.
Numerous Reds fans were left dismayed that the 27-year-old let his contract run down before making the switch to Real Madrid. Some supporters jeered him during his closing appearances for the club, where he claimed two Premier League crowns, the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup, among other silverware.
The England star has endured a challenging beginning to his Spanish adventure. Following his introduction into a contest with Dani Carvajal for the right-back position in Xabi Alonso's squad, Alexander-Arnold sustained an injury, which originally cast uncertainty over his participation in Real's Champions League encounter at Anfield on November 4.
However, following encouraging developments in his rehabilitation, he appears set to be available for that fixture.
It will be fascinating to observe what kind of welcome he is given by the Anfield faithful.
Ex-Reds manager Klopp will be hoping for a warm reception after voicing his disappointment with the supporters' response to him towards the conclusion of last season, after it was confirmed he would be departing his boyhood club.
The German revealed he was so disheartened, he felt compelled to switch off the television. During an LFC Foundation gathering in May, Klopp remarked: "I don't want to tell you what you have to think.
"I can tell you what you think is wrong. I don't tell you [that] you should not be angry, you should not be disappointed, I tell you don't forget. This club doesn't forget anything.
"I watched the game when he came on, and I heard the booing. I switched the telly off. Honestly, I could not have been more disappointed at this moment. This is not us, 100 percent, no."
Klopp, who had stepped down as manager a year prior, urged supporters to remember Alexander-Arnold's immense contribution to the club following his progression through the academy ranks.
He continued: "He gave absolutely everything and wears the Liverpool badge in the skin. 'Why didn't he sign a new contract?' I hear this from fans, this money discussion, 'He goes without a transfer fee.' They [the owners] have to be angry.
"This boy, 18 years old, scored a free-kick in Hoffenheim, where if he doesn't score that we don't qualify for the Champions League [via a playoff].
"Against Barcelona [in the Champions League], he did the most cheeky thing in the world and set up the goal for 4-0, a result and a game which will not happen again. But now he plays next year for another club, and we decide how we deal with that."
The Reds face five fixtures before Madrid's visit to Anfield, beginning with Sunday's game against Manchester United at home.
English (US) ·