SOCCER
England manager Southgate perplexed by Klopp's comments on Liverpool stars
England coach Gareth Southgate says he doesn't understand why Jürgen Klopp has raised concerns about the way he has handled his Liverpool players.
England manager Gareth Southgate has said he is a bit confused by recent comments made by Jürgen Klopp about how he treats Liverpool players when they are 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.
Reds stars in England squad
Southgate has selected Liverpool pair 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."
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 Jürgen at all. You'd have to ask him why he's made the comments he has."
England unbeaten, top Group I on 20 points
England need just four points from their final two qualifiers to confirm their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They face Albania on Friday 12 November at Wembley, then travel to San Marino for their final qualifying match on Monday.