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.
“Focus on ourselves. That’s the way to be a big club. Not commenting on other people’s success”#ManCity’s Ruben Dias on Alexander-Arnold’s comments that Liverpool’s success means more to fans.
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.
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.
Featured Images — FourFourTwo (via YouTube)/BBC Radio Manchester (via X)
Sport
Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question
Danny Jones
Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.
Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.
Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:
The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.
Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”
He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”
First off, Reds – do you agree?
It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes on Ruben Amorim's tactics against 10-man Everton which frustrated him 😬 pic.twitter.com/AgsESuH83h
Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.
Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.
With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.
You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.
How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?
BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team
Emily Sergeant
First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.
The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.
Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.
The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.
The first look images of new BBC series Dear England have been released / Credit: BBC
With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.
The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.
Joseph Fiennes will star as former manager Gareth Southgate / Credit: BBC
The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.
Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.
Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.
Danny Jones -
8th March 2024 
