Sport

Rúben Dias fires back after Trent Alexander-Arnold claims trophies ‘mean more’ to Liverpool

The two teams are trading blows ahead of the derby on Sunday.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 8th March 2024

Manchester City defender Rúben Dias has fired back at Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold after he claimed that winning trophies “means more” to Liverpool as a club and a fan base.

The Portuguese centre-back joined his fellow teammate Erling Haaland in rubbishing Alexander-Arnold’s opinion in a recent interview with FourFourTwo, after he suggested that looking at how “both clubs have built their teams and the manner in which we’ve done it probably means more to our fans.”

Liverpool’s currently injured left-back went on to tell the sporting outlet: “It’s difficult. You’re up against a machine that’s built to win – that’s the simplest way to describe City and their organisation.

“Looking back on this era, although they’ve 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.” Unsurprisingly, Dias was having absolutely none of it.

Rúben Dias responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s comments about Man City’s success over the last decade.

As you can see, the 26-year-old had very little time for Trent’s remarks, simply replying by saying, “it’s pretty certain between us and our fans about how much it meant for all of us [to win the treble].

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Dias went on to throw in a bit of a jab of his own, adding: “At the end of the day, you can only have certain emotions if you actually win stuff, so — you can only know how it feels [to win a treble] when you actually do it”.

Cold as ice. His response pretty much mirrored Haaland‘s comeback earlier in the week too, who also said that the Scouser doesn’t know the feeling of this particular achievement, insisting “They can talk as much as they want… I do not know why he does that, but I do not mind.”

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Speaking to Sky Sports, the Norwegian number nine who is once again looking back to business as usual said he cannot wait for Man City to take on their title challengers this Sunday, dubbing it a “special game” which will need both sides to be at their best.

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He’s regained form at the perfect time for the Blues.

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We have no shame in admitting we enjoy a bit of trash-talk ahead of any derby or big game — it feels a little bit throwback at times when compared to the usual kind of answers we see from players in the media these days — and everyone knows how big a fixture this is.

With Jürgen Klopp’s side still top of the table in what will be his last year on Merseyside following the recent announcement of his departure at the end of this season, and City eyeing up a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League trophy, there’s a lot at stake beyond just the usual rivalry.

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This one could genuinely be the title decider and with both sides looking in good form, we’re expecting a proper blockbuster.

As for Alexander Arnold’s comment about the serial winners, he’ll be able to find out just how much it means to the squad and the supporters when their much-anticipated Treble documentary drops on Netflix next month.

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Featured Images — FourFourTwo (via YouTube)/BBC Radio Manchester (via X)

Sport

Tragedy as two superbike riders die in ‘catastrophic accident’ at Cheshire event

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Tragedy as two riders die in 'catastrophic accident' at Cheshire superbike event

Two riders have tragically died in a ‘chain reaction’ accident at a superbike race in Cheshire.

Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both died of their injuries following a crash involving 11 riders.

The ‘catastrophic accident’ occurred yesterday at the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship superbike race at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

The race was immediately stopped so that trackside medical services could attend to the 11 riders who had fallen.

Due to the ‘extreme severity’ of the incident, the rest of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.

Two riders lost their lives and another has sustained significant injuries and remains in hospital.

Owen Jenner, 21 years old, was treated trackside and taken to the circuit medical centre , but died from a catastrophic head injury.

Meanwhile Shane Richardson was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries, but died prior to arrival.

Another rider, 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, has also been transferred to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.

Five further riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries – the remaining involved riders were uninjured.

The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.

Cheshire Police said in a statement: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May).

“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.

“Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled.

“The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).”

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Featured image: British Superbikes

Sport

Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United

Danny Jones Danny Jones Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only 3 Man United players have spoke to him since leaving

Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.

Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.

The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.

However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.

At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.

Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”

As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.

He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.

The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.

Now the boss at Besiktas, the 52-year-old has won 50% of his games so far, with the Turkish side on course for a third-place finish.

For context, he only took the job back in January.

What did you make of Ole’s revelations then, Reds? And, more importantly, how do you look back on his time in charge at the Theatre of Dreams?

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Featured Images — soccer.ru (via Wikimedia Commons)/BBC Sport

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