Sky Sports pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge clashed live on air over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s claims that Liverpool’s trophies “mean more” to their fans than they do to Man City supporters.
Richards and Sturridge, former City and Liverpool players respectively, engaged in a passionate debate sparked by Alexander-Arnold’s recent remarks ahead of kick-off.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, the Liverpool vice-captain said: “Looking back on this era, although they’ve [Man City] won more titles than us and have probably been more successful, our trophies will mean more to us and our fanbase because of the situations at both clubs, financially.”
And ahead of the two Premier League title rivals’ clash at Anfield, Richards and Sturridge took differing views on the matter.
Liverpool and Man City trophy claims sparks heated debate
“I loved it,” Richards began on Sky Sports. “I thought it was good. How many times have you seen people talk about ‘Oh they’ve got no personality, they’re just like robots,” – he had his opinion.”
“Obviously I don’t agree with that,” he added when asked if there was merit in Alexander-Arnold’s claims.
"This means more to us!"Jurgen Klopp fully supports Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent comments on comparing Liverpool's titles to Man City's 🤝 pic.twitter.com/bTKMUoDAfA
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 8, 2024
“But that is his opinion. There’s nothing wrong with his opinion. People always go on that Man City was just created in 2008 when they got [financial] investment.
“They were getting 20, 30,000 [fans] in the lower leagues. Now they’re starting to win things, everyone wants to lump in.
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“Yes, they have spent a lot of money. They’ve got a great manager, great players. They won the treble, won the league multiple times…”
Sturridge then interjected to support Alexander-Arnold’s comments, saying, “Trent has pretty much made the point that you’ve just made.
"Yes they've spent a lot of money but they've got a GREAT manager, GREAT players. They've won the treble!" 😤A passionate rant from Micah Richards 😡 pic.twitter.com/tZZ89MnPVt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2024
“They’ve [Man City] spent a lot of money, they’ve got a great manager. They’ve got players that other teams can’t afford. In terms of him saying it means more to Liverpool fans…it means more.”
Richards then quickly pointed out the mouth-watering transfer fees that Liverpool had spent on their goalkeeper Alisson Becker and centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
“I have no problem with what Trent said,” Richards added. “I think it was good. But obviously from [Phil] Foden’s point of view – coming through the academy, winning the treble, winning the league – he will have his view as well.”
Liverpool and Man City square off in the Premier League on Sunday, March 10. The game gets underway at 3:45pm GMT, 10:45am ET and 7:45am PT – here’s all you need to know ahead of kick-off.