Jurgen Klopp has expressed shock over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s axing from the England squad and admitted he cannot understand Gareth Southgate’s decision.
Alexander-Arnold, 22, was left startled and angry about being cut from Southgate’s plans for the World Cup qualifiers with San Marino, Albania and Poland.
It now looks likely that he will not be involved in this summer’s European Championship.
The move from Southgate was such a surprise to Liverpool that Klopp had to re-configure his training sessions during the international break to include Alexander-Arnold, having initially expected him to be away for most of the two weeks with his country.
Though Alexander-Arnold has had a difficult season, struggling at times with the lingering effects of Covid-19 and then a calf injury sustained in November, Klopp believes he is over those issues and wryly questioned the depth of England’s squad without him.
‘So I was surprised when he didn’t get the call up,’ said Klopp. ‘I didn’t plan at all with him. We had sessions planned for after the call-ups when players who were going on their national duties had time off and Trent was in that group — just to show how surprised I was about it.
‘I make decisions every day, every weekend about team and squad selections. We always make decisions that other people probably do not understand.
‘I respect that Gareth makes his own decisions but I didn’t understand it because Trent Alexander-Arnold was in the last two seasons — let me say the season before and the season before that — the standout right back in world football. That is the truth and at an unbelievable young age.
‘I’ve no problem if my players get criticism. They can get it from me, they can get it from other people. He was the standout right back in world football. He started the season with Covid early on which is not good. It took him a while to get into the season but, from that moment he was one of our most consistent players. So that cannot be the reason.’
Right back is an area in which England are well stocked.
‘It is about how you want to play,’ said Klopp. ‘That is the thing Gareth has to make sure. He has Kyle Walker, an outstanding right back who can play centre back. Reece James — big talent, absolutely, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was not there as well and Kieran Trippier who he knows better or longer.
'So that is the situation. It is his decision, It is about how you want to play. If you want to play against a deep defending side, then, for sure, the crosses and the passes of Trent. I don’t know anybody who can do that like him. I know he wants to be in the England squad and he will try to be there again.’
Alexander-Arnold has been criticised for his defending but Klopp argued: ‘He defends on a really high level for us as well. It is not his first skill but it is not bad.’
Klopp, whose side face Arsenal in the Premier League needing to win to keep in the hunt for a top-four spot, added: ‘If Trent Alexander-Arnold is not in the squad then England must have an extremely good squad. ’
Arsenal v Liverpool, 8pm, Live on Sky Sports.
chidera2004
0
dont get shocked mr klopp coz dat fukin gay southgate not a liverpool supporters.
I agreed with you,but the guy is a visitor so he isn't going to see my reply DH. However you are a member who is also wrong,and i have the means to correct you
Newmanunited20
0
and you just jumped into conclusion that he is African
Sorry are you going to attempt to berate him for using a homophobic slur? Or does it only matter when it’s directed at you? Selfish thought process like that would have you fit right in with the ones here in America
chidera2004
0
And he’s a homophobic bully. It can go both ways
and you just jumped into conclusion that he is African
chidera2004
0
And he’s a homophobic bully. It can go both ways
yep but you don't have to retaliate by being racist
Geofrey88
0
best not to include him.. we need keep our players healthy to fight for top 4 please...
Anish Dhume
0
pissed that Trent isn't included -WC, pissed that Salah wants to be included -olympics... what's this double standard
naomnsuz
1
Gareth is not the right coach for England because they are headed for another shock early shower. One needs to make a football decision and Trent is still one of the Top 3 right backs in world football and the best in EPL
Frankaay™
0
I love that best right back in the world by a mile for 2 seasons consistently in defense and attack.
dapaciluy
1
he has not being doing well this season , his defending tactics is poor most of the goal Liverpool conceited are from his wing , he only knows how to attack but dont know how to defend
Newmanunited20
0
Dats poor of u
Why is that poor of me? I doubt you even understand your statement
Newmanunited20
0
then why didn't he call Wan Bisaka who can u compare to him
Well the obvious answer would be southgate believes Kyle walker and Reece James are better. Any more stupid questions?
nuhbeoruz
0
Be honest m Mr Klopp, Alnold was not playing a good at liverpool because think he is one of the great players I the team.
Mose_9
0
it is simple. TAA has to work hard in the coming games and prove he is the best. The challenge is great with Reece James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tripper, Walker. I hope this anger will make him better. Good luck
thank you for truly seeing the bigger picture
Winerpool
1
it is simple. TAA has to work hard in the coming games and prove he is the best. The challenge is great with Reece James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tripper, Walker. I hope this anger will make him better. Good luck
Titdemnos
1
england coach southgate is not a professional coach he is just the same like lampard gerard useless iam a true fan of england very2 disappointed hope england will never win euro n w.cup for sure thats my prediction selection for england lousy
[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]cry me a river[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
toabistuz
0
The southern gate is wide opened for England to March out of euro
Zokbdeil
0
england coach southgate is not a professional coach he is just the same like lampard gerard useless iam a true fan of england very2 disappointed hope england will never win euro n w.cup for sure thats my prediction selection for england lousy
Zokbdeil
0
useless england coach he is favourtism choose older players stupid coach he is still young long way to go he played for liverpool very well under klopp better ask southgate bringin all older players then wiil see england can never win euro n w.cup mark my word
Illyrian
3
Be honest Mr Klopp, aside of covid and injuries Alnold was playing way below average this season.
kapouferner
0
trent should be move further uphill for liverpool then it is a guarantee he will get picked for England cause he is one of the best wingers in the game.
kapouferner
0
I ain't shocked over this. I'm actually disgusted and disappointed when you continue to pick trent over and over again even if he ain't on form. you should learn from southgate cause he did what you couldn't. Klopp it is your stubbornness to change when something ain't working that gets to me the most.
Nauauyz
0
TA is one in two, a difender and a winger which would give South Gate variety of options
harrazaltaaf
1
hope england can never win.
Emily12747
0
Southgate is like a gold Digger. He chooses players who's playing good only for like 10-15 matches. Form Is Temporarily.
ABenC
5
it might be a blessing in disguise for Liverpool, he may like to prove Southgate wrong by playing exceptionally well for Liverpool, starting with the Arsenal game. YNWA
zaddy_lee
2
Does Southgate even know what he’s doing
cisklsuyz
4
he will surely be back....no doubt..
YNWApool
0
And Trent can’t defend... that’s why he isn’t in the squad
Dats poor of u
Jueceryz
0
for sure
Yezaemopsz
2
He can’t defend. South Gate wants defenders not wingers
then why didn't he call Wan Bisaka who can u compare to him
bambemu
6
The man is a serious business man. Alex is out of form
Newmanunited20
0
England play with a back five sometimes...Trent would fit perfectly
Sometimes... and That’s not worth a roster spot to south gate
Newmanunited20
0
wait and see out of cup later stage
What does that mean?
Newmanunited20
0
racist bully
And he’s a homophobic bully. It can go both ways
chidera2004
0
dont get shocked mr klopp coz dat fukin gay southgate not a liverpool supporters.
racist bully
chidera2004
0
So African it hurts to read.
racist
nitbelsu
0
He can’t defend. South Gate wants defenders not wingers
wait and see out of cup later stage
fizaeksty
0
My honest opinion is that Trent has list form considerably of late.
Unitedforlife6
1
And Trent can’t defend... that’s why he isn’t in the squad
England play with a back five sometimes...Trent would fit perfectly
Newmanunited20
0
dont get shocked mr klopp coz dat fukin gay southgate not a liverpool supporters.
So African it hurts to read.
Newmanunited20
0
James and bissaka can't offer what Trent offers with his crosses
And Trent can’t defend... that’s why he isn’t in the squad
Newmanunited20
4
He can’t defend. South Gate wants defenders not wingers
Unitedforlife6
6
James and bissaka can't offer what Trent offers with his crosses
Hicekpsty
3
dont get shocked mr klopp coz dat fukin gay southgate not a liverpool supporters.
Benikmor
3
TAA is better against teams that don't play deep defending. Not sure why Klopp thinks otherwise.