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'Liverpool Players Can't Even Lace Kevin De Bruyne's Boots'

'Liverpool Players Can't Even Lace Kevin De Bruyne's Boots'

De Bruyne has been in sensational form this season and Danny Murphy finds it strange that he will be giving a guard of honour...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Danny Murphy believes Liverpool players can't even lace Kevin De Bruyne's boots ahead of this Thursday's game between the newly crowned champions and Manchester City.

City's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea just under a week ago led to Jurgen Klopp's side securing a first league title in 30 years and means they will now receive a guard of honour from the former champions at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed City will keep in line with the tradition and applaud Liverpool's title-winners as they walk onto the pitch but former Liverpool midfielder Murphy branded it "a load of nonsense" and something that "doesn't mean anything".

And he then went on to add that he finds it strange for De Bruyne, arguably the best midfielder in the world, to be clapping players who ''can't even lace his boots".

Image: PA
Image: PA

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: "It's a perception of respect, 'the right thing to do', the message you're trying to send to the football world that when somebody wins, that you show respect and grace.

"The fact City will be doing it on Thursday will show humility, saying 'well done' to Liverpool and appreciation for their quality. I think it's a load of nonsense!

"I don't know where it started and why it started, I would feel uncomfortable doing it. I'd do it because you have to do it, but I wouldn't want to do it, because it's not done with sincerity.

"If I was a Liverpool player and United won the league, you know they're better than you, you respect that and you're trying your best to be like them, so they know you respect them.

"The fans don't want you to do it, the players don't really want to do it, it's all for effect and it doesn't mean anything.

"Kevin De Bruyne is the best midfielder, probably, in the world, and he's clapping his hands and giving a guard of honour to players who can't even lace his boots.

"And if I'd won it, by the way, if I was walking through, I'd feel awkward. I'd feel uncomfortable.

"I understand why the powers that be created it, because it does give off the right message to those watching. But I don't see the point."

Liverpool have been celebrating wildly but are still chasing a series of Premier League records already set by their next opponents.

The Reds are currently on 86 points, 23 points clear of second-placed City and will no doubt be looking to set a new record for the most points accrued in a Premier League season.

Image: PA
Image: PA

City are the current holders after a stunning 100-point campaign in 2017/18, but Liverpool are very good value to break the record.

The Anfield outfit can reach 107 points if they win every one of their remaining games - and they could still lose two games but win every other match to end up on 101 - which would also be a new record.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Danny Murphy, Football, Premier League, Kevin de Bruyne