Liverpool Legend Lambasts Trent Alexander-Arnold for ‘Poking the Bear’ Manchester City With Pre-Match Jibe

Tomorrow’s title showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City has reached a boiling point. Just hours before the match, tensions flared as Trent Alexander-Arnold made headlines by making a provocative statement against his upcoming rivals. While it has ignited a stir in the soccer world, a Liverpool legend has condemned the right-back for his ‘dumb move.’ 

Speaking for ESPN, former Reds star Steve Nicol didn’t spare the England international. “Whether do you think it’s true or not, you don’t say anything to wind up an opponent that’s coming up very shortly, and you certainly don’t want to poke the bear if it’s Manchester City,” he said. Nicol warned Trent that facing Guardiola and Co is already going to be ‘tough‘ for them and his absence due to the injury adds an ‘extra little bit of incentive’ for the home side. “It’s a dumb, dumb move, particularly just before you’re gonna play them,” concluded the Reds icon. 

Notably, the saga unfolded when Trent mentioned to Four Four Two in an interview that despite the Sky Blues winning more titles and achieving better success, the trophies Liverpool won ‘mean more’ for them and the Reds’ fanbase when comparing the financial circumstances of both sides. Interestingly, this didn’t settle with Erling Haaland, who responded that he understood why Trent made such comments.

He highlighted that winning the treble in just one year was a ‘quite nice feeling’ that Trent may not have experienced. Interestingly, the Norwegian wasn’t alone in firing back at the Liverpool defender. Ruben Dias also acknowledged what it meant for the whole team and fans to clinch the triple feat last year. Notably, Guardiola also dipped his feet in the ongoing saga. 

What did Pep Guardiola say about warring words from Trent Alexander-Arnold? 

During the pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked to comment on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s claims. Interestingly, the City boss ended the topic by wishing the 25-year-old a ‘speedy recovery‘ to make a comeback as soon as possible. When again pushed to comment, Pep replied, “I would answer but, why? Honestly. It is what it is”. It appears that the former Barcelona manager chose not to escalate the situation further by opting to remain silent.

READ MORE: Why Pep Guardiola Never Had Lunch or Dinner With Jurgen Klopp? Manchester City Boss’ Answer Will Leave You in Splits

Despite Guardiola expressing his hope for Trent’s swift recovery, he views the absence of the fullback as advantageous. While either team stands to benefit from a victory, a draw would favor third-placed Arsenal, who boast an impressive goal difference. With this in consideration, the former Bayern Munich tactician decided to maintain a composed demeanor rather than engage in a verbal altercation. Regardless, let’s see how City responds to Trent’s comments on the pitch.