Liverpool boss Arne Slot says he will have nothing but warmth and respect for Trent Alexander-Arnold when the former vice-captain returns to Anfield with Real Madrid tomorrow. It’s shaping up to be an emotional night, with a familiar face coming home but wearing different colours.
Speaking to reporters before the Champions League clash that was earlier previewed by SoftFootball, Slot looked back on his time working with Alexander-Arnold and spoke with genuine affection.
Slot said in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account:
I can only tell you what reception he gets from me. I have great memories of the player and the human . I have great memories of the play and human, my vice captain.
I have memories working with him that are only positive. He will get a warm welcome from me, that’s for sure.
Since joining Real Madrid, the 27-year-old has become an important figure under Xabi Alonso. He did not feature in Madrid’s 4–0 win over Valencia last weekend, a detail reported by SoftFootball.
Alexander-Arnold has no intention of celebrating if he scores at Anfield, out of respect for the club and the fans who supported him since childhood.
Facing a club legend as an opponent will be strange for everyone at Liverpool, but Slot insists the connection between them remains strong. For him, respect and gratitude will always come before rivalry.
