Arne Slot Defends Trent Alexander-Arnold Amid Real Madrid Interest | OneFootball

Arne Slot Praises Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Resilience Amid Real Madrid Links

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly backed Trent Alexander-Arnold, describing the criticism aimed at the full-back as “too harsh” amid ongoing speculation about the defender’s future. Slot believes the contract stand-off has intensified scrutiny, but he was delighted to see the Liverpool academy graduate rise above the noise with a stunning captain’s performance in the FA Cup.

Trent’s Comeback Goal Lifts Anfield Spirits

Alexander-Arnold led Liverpool to a commanding 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, silencing critics after a challenging week. Following a difficult performance against Manchester United and renewed links to Real Madrid, the right-back responded with a thunderous 20-yard strike that put Liverpool 2-0 up.

Arne Slot couldn’t hide his admiration for the goal, saying: “I could talk for hours about that goal. Unbelievable.”

The Kop’s warm reception for Alexander-Arnold showed the fans’ appreciation of his commitment, despite ongoing uncertainty around his contract. The defender, whose deal expires this summer, has reportedly drawn a £20 million offer from Real Madrid, which Liverpool rejected.

Slot, however, focused on the positive impact of the moment: “I think it was good for Trent to play in our own stadium and feel the reception of the fans again. It was special and can only help him and us.”

Contract Uncertainty and Harsh Criticism

Arne Slot pointed out that Alexander-Arnold seems to face disproportionate backlash when he has a rare off day. The Liverpool boss hinted that the ongoing contract situation may have fuelled the recent negativity.

“Every player around the world, maybe except for a few, has a bad game, and that is completely normal. But the moment Trent has one, everyone has an opinion about it,” Slot remarked.

“Maybe that’s because of the contract situation. I don’t know if that wasn’t there, if people would have reacted in the same way. Many of them were quite hard on him.”

Despite Real Madrid’s interest, Liverpool appear determined to keep their local star. The club’s only other senior right-back, Connor Bradley, is still recovering from a hamstring injury, further highlighting Alexander-Arnold’s importance to the squad.

Heartwarming Reunion at Anfield

Beyond his match-winning performance, Alexander-Arnold showed his character off the pitch too. After the final whistle, he sought out Accrington Stanley manager John Doolan, who coached him as a youngster at the Liverpool academy.

Doolan recalled their warm reunion: “I said before the game that I had coached Trent when he was six or seven, and I don’t know whether he remembers it. Diane, his mum, probably would remember as she used to bring him to the training sessions.”

To Doolan’s surprise, Alexander-Arnold approached him after the match in casual attire, saying, “I remember.”

Doolan continued: “Then we just started chatting like I’d only been talking to him last week. He is such a wonderful and humble guy. He is a top, top player. To do that shows the class that he has.”

Alexander-Arnold’s journey from academy prospect to Liverpool captain continues to inspire, and his resilience under pressure shows why he remains a key figure in Slot’s plans this season. For Liverpool, keeping him at Anfield is more important than ever.