Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hit back at what he describes as “harsh criticism” of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Slot believes the criticism of Trent is tied to his contract situation and the ongoing rumours about Real Madrid’s interest.
His comments came after the defender delivered a stellar performance as captain in Liverpool’s commanding 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley, capped off by a stunning 20-yard goal.
Trent ☄️
SHEESH.
(via @EmiratesFACup) pic.twitter.com/nkbFDGmh2k
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 11, 2025
Trent Shines vs Accrington
The Liverpool right-back received plenty of backlash following a subpar showing against Manchester United last week.
However, Trent has quickly bounced back and led his side to victory at Anfield, receiving a warm reception from fans.
Slot was highly complementary in his praise of Alexander-Arnold’s goal, describing it as “unbelievable” and emblematic of his quality.
“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,” said Slot.
The Liverpool boss suggested that the level of criticism might be tied to the 26-year-old’s contract situation.
Alexander-Arnold is out of contract this summer, with Real Madrid reportedly expressing interest and having a £20 million bid rejected by Liverpool earlier this month.
"The biggest compliment Trent could get is the reaction after the Man United game" 🗣️
Arne Slot says Trent Alexander-Arnold receives more criticism than most players following the reaction after the Man United game last weekend 🔴 pic.twitter.com/REbH8Uf0Ni
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 11, 2025
Fan Support at Anfield
With Liverpool’s other senior right-back, Connor Bradley, recovering from a hamstring injury, Alexander-Arnold started the game against League Two side Accrington.
Slot emphasised the importance of the fans’ support at Anfield, calling it a morale boost for the local player.
“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,” Slot remarked.
Trent Reunites With Former Coach
After the match, Alexander-Arnold sought out Accrington manager John Dolan, who had coached him as a young boy in Liverpool’s academy.
Dolan recounted their heartwarming exchange, saying, “I said before the game that I had coached Trent when he was six or seven. At the end of the game, he came up behind me and said, ‘I remember.’
“He is such a wonderful and humble guy. To do that shows the class that he has,” Dolan shared.
John Doolan: "I can't speak highly enough of Arne, a world-class manager, world-class team!"
"I coached Trent when he was 6/7, I don't know if he remembers, he came over saying he remembers. Such a wonderful, humble guy. A top top player!" pic.twitter.com/04WcP3iPF2
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) January 11, 2025
