England manager Gareth Southgate has said he is confused by comments from Jurgen Klopp about his treatment of Liverpool players on international duty.
Klopp has previously raised concerns about Southgate s use of Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, as well as his justification for leaving Joe Gomez out of the England squad on the basis of a lack of game time at club level, while Manchester City s John Stones has continued to be picked despite spending much of the season on the bench.
Southgate has selected Liverpool duo Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino.
I don t quite know why he keeps having a swing, you d have to ask him, Southgate told reporters.
I think we ve always got on reasonably well. I ve noticed quite a few articles and quite a few comments, which is always interesting to see.
44 Since the start of the 2018-19 season, only Kevin De Bruyne (51) has more assists among Premier League players in all competitions than Trent Alexander-Arnold (44). Spark.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe)
When asked about the importance of forging strong working relationships with club managers, Southgate added: They come and go pretty quickly 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. I ve got no problem with Jurgen at all. You d have to ask him why he s made the comments he has.
England need just four points from their final two qualifiers to confirm their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
