Arne Slot dismisses speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Manchester United was influenced by growing interest from Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old, whose contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season, has yet to agree to new terms alongside teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Reports suggest Alexander-Arnold is open to a move to Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants expressing interest in the versatile full-back. Madrid is rumored to have approached Liverpool regarding a potential January transfer, aiming to secure his services for a fee rather than risk losing him for free in the summer.
On the pitch, Liverpool faced Manchester United at Anfield in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Alexander-Arnold struggled throughout the match, as United repeatedly targeted his flank. He was eventually substituted for Conor Bradley before the final whistle.
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Addressing Alexander-Arnold’s performance, Slot defended his player during post-match interviews. “Trent has played many excellent games for the club. Today wasn’t his best, but that was due to their quality as well,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports. “Sometimes Ryan [Gravenberch] wasn’t close enough, leaving him in two-on-one situations. I’d credit [Diogo] Dalot and Bruno Fernandes for that.”
In his press conference, Slot dismissed the idea that transfer speculation had distracted Alexander-Arnold. “I don’t believe in those things,” he said. “Nine out of ten people might say it affected him, but I’m in the one who doesn’t. What affected him was facing Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, both starters for Portugal and exceptional players.”