Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken warmly about Trent Alexander-Arnold after defender’s emotional return to Anfield — this time wearing the white of Real Madrid.
The right-back, who left Liverpool in the summer after the end of his contract, faced his boyhood club for the first time since his departure, and emotions were running high on Merseyside.
Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid stirred mixed feelings among supporters, with many still processing the sight of a local hero lining up for another European giant. But while fans may be divided, Arne Slot made his feelings crystal clear.
“Every time I meet him I will either give him a hug or talk to him, because he has been very special to me as a player and as a human being,” said the Liverpool boss.
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Arne Slot: “No time for sentiment — but full of respect”
Despite all the pre-match chatter about Trent’s return, Slot insisted his focus remained firmly on his own squad. When asked about the kind of reception the right-back received, the Dutchman admitted he hadn’t even thought about it.
“I have no clue,” Slot said. “That’s not the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about this game. First, it’s the ones that play for me and then the ones that play for Real Madrid that I’m thinking about.”
Still, Slot acknowledged the talent and influence Alexander-Arnold brings.
“Of course, if Trent comes in, he can impact the game with the ball, I know more than anyone else. He did this last season a few times. An incredible player and a great human being as well.”
The 27-year-old’s return has been emotional off the pitch too. Earlier in the day, he visited the Anfield memorial to lay floral tributes for the late Diogo Jota and his brother, accompanied by Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso — another familiar face who once made the same journey from Anfield to Madrid.
“Mixed emotions, but respect never fades”
Before the game, Alexander-Arnold spoke candidly about his feelings toward Liverpool.
“Mixed emotions, whatever way I’m received is the decision of the fans,” he said. “No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime.”
The right-back’s appearance off the bench was met with a lot of boos, but as Slot later pointed out, Trent handled it with class — just as he always did in red.
Liverpool fans may have seen him switch sides, but as Slot’s words show, respect between the club and its homegrown star remains unshaken. After all, once a Red, always a Red — even if the shirt has changed.