Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield with Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with Liverpool manager Arne Slott citing the possibility of a frosty reception.
Manager Arne Slott has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will return to Anfield with Real Madrid on Tuesday night. Alexander-Arnold will face Liverpool supporters for the first time since leaving his boyhood club under cloud cover in the summer transfer window.
The right-back’s decision to leave for Real at the end of his contract was very unpopular with Reds fans, with some feeling betrayed. The Spanish giants ultimately paid £8.4 million to sign him before the Club World Cup, but that did not soften the blow for many Liverpool supporters.
Alexander-Arnold is a product of Liverpool’s academy and during his time at the club won the Premier League twice, the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup twice and the Club World Cup. His return to the club will be a big story in Champions League matches, but the former manager gave a clear message in his pre-match press conference.
“I can only speak to the kind of reception he has received from me,” Slott said. “I have great memories of players and people.
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“He was my vice-captain last season. My memories of working with him and watching him on TV were only positive. I remember many great moments of him in a Liverpool shirt.”
“He will receive a warm welcome from me. Let’s see if he will be on the pitch tomorrow. I don’t know how the fans will react, but I am sure he will receive a warm welcome from me.”
Alexander-Arnold is recovering from injury and could very well start on the bench. But he has already avoided the boos he receives from those who once worshiped him.
“Regardless of how I’m perceived, it’s up to the fans to decide,” Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime. I always love the club and will always be a fan of the club. I will always be grateful for the opportunities and things we accomplished together and they will live with me forever.
“No matter what happens, my feelings for Liverpool will remain the same. I have memories that will last a lifetime at Liverpool and no matter how I am received, that will not change.”
Liverpool ended a four-game losing streak in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, but Slott appealed to fans to help the team again on Tuesday.
“We can tell them to come tomorrow just like they did Saturday,” he said. “They helped us a lot. Tomorrow we play a team that is in great form. It’s always fun to play at home because we’ve only played away for the most part and Anfield showed its importance on Saturday.”
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