Gareth Southgate says he is mystified by Jurgen Klopp’s hostility towards him, with the Liverpool manager taking frequent swipes at the England coach.
Klopp questioned Southgate experimenting with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, saying: ‘Why would you make the best right back in the world a midfielder?’
He criticised Southgate for not calling up Joe Gomez just because he wasn’t playing regularly for Liverpool, pointing out that the England manager was picking John Stones despite his lack of first-team action. ‘Obviously there is a special thing for Mr Stones,’ said Klopp.
He was also annoyed when Curtis Jones came back injured from Under-21 duty, saying there was no communication from the FA.
Asked whether he was aware of any issue between them, Southgate said: ‘Not really. I don’t quite know why he keeps having a swing but, yeah, you’d have to ask him. I think we’ve always got on reasonably well. I’ve noticed quite a few articles and comments, which is always interesting to see. I’ve got no problem with Jurgen at all.
‘Managers come and go pretty quickly to be honest, so it’s important to have a good relationship somewhere in the clubs. But maybe the managers aren’t the priority, because it’s very transient. I don’t think that will be the case with the Liverpool manager, by the way.’
Klopp’s Liverpool are undefeated in 26 matches in all competitions and could set a new club record at West Ham today.
Jordan Henderson has been pivotal to that — only Manchester City have beaten them in the Premier League since 2017 with the 31-year-old in midfield.
Which is partly why the Anfield hierarchy ripped up the rulebook earlier this season and gave their leader a long-term deal.
‘The new contract is what he deserved and what the club needed,’ said Klopp. ‘We need players like Hendo, especially him, in the club for the long term. They have the mindset, attitude and quality that sets standards for the rest.’
Henderson acts as his eyes and ears on the pitch, as Roy Keane once did for Sir Alex Ferguson.
‘I know these players will be considered a very special group but I don’t praise or celebrate with them,’ added the Liverpool boss.
‘No, I’m here to kick their butts from time to time. That’s what you do to make the next step.’