Arne Slot Promises Warm Welcome for Trent at Anfield

ISLAMABAD: Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he will give Trent Alexander-Arnold a warm welcome when Real Madrid visit Anfield on Tuesday, even though the former Reds star may face a hostile reception from fans.

The England international, who grew up supporting Liverpool, left the club in June to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after running down his contract.

Alexander-Arnold, now 27, was instrumental in Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp and later under Slot, helping the team win two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

“I have great memories of the player and the human being,” Slot said at a press conference on Monday. “Working with him was a pleasure. I have nothing but positive memories of him, both as his coach and as a fan watching him play for Liverpool.”

Slot added, “He will get a warm welcome from me. Let’s see if he plays tomorrow — and how our fans will react.”

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The defender endured a difficult final few months at Anfield, with sections of the crowd booing him as rumors of his Real Madrid move intensified. Since his departure, Liverpool have struggled, losing six of their last eight games, while Alexander-Arnold himself has faced challenges in Spain due to hamstring injuries and limited playing time.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is expected to start Federico Valverde at right-back for the high-profile Champions League encounter.

Last year, Liverpool defeated Madrid 2-0 at the same stage of the tournament, but this time the Spanish giants arrive in top form. Led by Kylian Mbappé, Los Blancos sit five points clear of Barcelona in La Liga and boast a perfect three-win record in the Champions League group stage.

“They have always been a big force in this competition,” Slot said. “They are a very good team — but so are we.”

The Liverpool boss confirmed that Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak, and Jeremie Frimpong are ruled out through injury, though Isak may return in time for their Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.