A disappointed JUrgen Klopp had to turn off his television after hearing Liverpool fans boo Trent Alexander-Arnold during the 2–2 home draw against Arsenal earlier this month.
Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summer after spending two decades at the club. Born and raised in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold joined the club’s academy at age six and made his first-team debut under Klopp.
The 26-year-old right-back, widely regarded as one of the best in the world and also capable of playing in midfield, has made 353 appearances for the Reds. During Klopp’s nine-year spell, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup.
“I was watching the game when he came on and heard the boos,” Klopp said on Friday at a charity event for the LFC Foundation. “I’m older now, so I thought it might be my hearing—I turned up the volume. It took me another 10 seconds to realize it was real, and then I turned the TV off. Honestly, I couldn’t have been more disappointed in that moment. That’s not who we are, not at all.”
“I’m not saying you can’t be disappointed or upset. I’m saying: don’t forget. This club doesn’t forget,” he said. “He gave everything every single day for this badge. After 20 years, he decided he wanted a new challenge. If anyone should be upset about that, it’s the owners, and they’re not.”
“This boy, 18 years old, scored a free-kick in Hoffenheim that helped us qualify for the Champions League. Against Barcelona, he set up that cheeky goal for 4-0—a game and result that may never happen again.”
Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions last month with four games to spare. They will lift the trophy this Sunday after their final home game against Crystal Palace.
