JURGEN KLOPP was hailed for his “outstanding man-management” for getting Liverpool fans to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a confidence-boosting standing ovation.
The right-back, 23, has been at the centre of debate in recent weeks.
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Questions marks remain over his defensive abilities and whether he will be in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next month’s World Cup.
But the Reds defender went some way to silencing his critics with a superb free-kick seven minutes into the Champions League win over Rangers.
And Klopp withdrew the academy graduate in the 93rd minute to ensure the Anfield faithful showed their appreciation and support.
As Alexander-Arnold headed towards the sideline to be replaced by Joe Gomez for the closing seconds, Klopp gestured to the home fans, urging them to ramp up their applause.
Alexander-Arnold appeared to feel touched by the reaction and gave his manager a hug as he went off – while fans lauded Klopp on social media.
One said: “Outstanding man-management. The best in the business.”
Another wrote: “Unreal psychology by Jurgen Klopp to instigate that.”
And a final supporter wrote: “Exactly what he needed.”
Klopp singled out his full-back for particular praise following the victory.
The German said: “He played a good game, defensively especially.
“We set it up differently.
“We cannot talk about that every week but Trent has no defensive problem.
“We had a defensive problem – hopefully ‘had’.”
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