Alexander-Arnold says Man City’s European failure is as a sign of Liverpool’s strength

Trent Alexander-Arnold considered the question for a moment before choosing his words; his aim was to give an answer but what he actually provided was a statement of intent.

Liverpool’s right-back had been asked, as the season heads towards its boiling point, whether the four trophies the club have won on Jurgen Klopp’s watch represents an accurate indication of the talent within the squad – or if they needed to do more.

Alexander-Arnold partially agreed but then proceeded to explain why he believes this group has the potential to land three cups this season – and a failure to deliver at least one piece of silverware would be a slight on them all. 

The England right-back, at the same time, brought Liverpool’s simmering rivalry with Manchester City into the spotlight and, as he did, underlined why the next few months – starting against Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Wednesday night – will be crammed full of drama.

‘We don’t feel disappointed that we haven’t won enough trophies as the ones we have won are the biggest and best you can get your hands on,’ Alexander-Arnold pointed out. ‘Not making any digs but you look at Man City’s amazing team and they haven’t been able to lift the Champions League.

‘They won a couple of Premier Leagues but haven’t been able to win the Champions League. We’ve won both over the last few years and it shows you we can do it in both competitions. There is an expectation now, as a team and players, to win trophies.

‘One trophy a season minimum is what we have to achieve. With the squad and manager we have we should be winning trophies. It is expected of us. It is not the stage where we are happy to get in finals and it is just a day out. There is expectation now to want to do it every season.’

He is only 23 but listening to Alexander-Arnold, it was impossible not to make a comparison with Steven Gerrard when he was that age, a world-class talent who had the confidence to speak with certainty from a position of authority. 

It’s not often that Alexander-Arnold, who has been in such outstanding form, faces the cameras but when he does, he is never short of an opinion and it felt significant that he stated a Cup treble was well within this group’s capabilities.

There is a precedent, of course, for a clean sweep of cups at Anfield and 21 years ago Gerard Houllier’s squad started their march to join the pantheon of great Liverpool teams with an important away win in Italy, against Roma in the UEFA Cup.

Should Liverpool establish a first-leg advantage in the San Siro, it would maintain the momentum that has been built by six consecutive victories in all competitions and the sequence has given Alexander-Arnold belief about what might be possible.

‘As a team we expect ourselves to go as far as we can in competitions,’ he said. ‘Looking at it now, there is only the league that is not in our hands (as Liverpool are nine points behind City). We believe we can beat anyone on our day if we get it right.

‘With the other three competitions, we believe we are able to win them. Cup competitions are always wide open, you see upsets all the time and shocks. I wouldn’t say anyone is favourite for the Champions League.

‘Domestic Leagues are a bit different when you look at squad depth and there are (clear) favourites. Cup competitions are a different ball game. Every competition we are in we feel we can win, especially the Champions League. We have improved as a team, leant how to win and adjust.’

He added: ‘We’ve had good moments and bad moments but it is about winning – it is easier said than done but we believe we can do it. We want to be in every competition; if you want that you will have to play 50/60 games a season.’

A heavy workload will certainly be more manageable this time as Klopp – who has a doubt about Jordan Henderson for this contest – once again made a point of saying he has never before had a squad with such depth and quality.

Klopp was a little more guarded with his words but it was clear to see how enthused he was about being back in Champions League combat, describing this fixture between clubs who have won this trophy a combined nine times as a clash between ‘proper European football royalty.’

‘They are a top-class team, with top class players and manager,’ said Klopp. ‘They were champions last season and, with respect for other teams, I think they are the best in Italy again this year. We need to show a top-class performance to even have a chance but why shouldn’t we try?’