Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed not being happy at times with the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s lack of effort in training.
Alexander-Arnold, 25, will leave the Reds at the end of the season after declining to renew his contract, with a free transfer to Real Madrid widely reported to be imminent. The move has already sparked controversy among supporters, many of whom voiced their frustration by booing the player during Liverpool’s recent home clash with Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s season finale against Crystal Palace, Slot acknowledged he’s had several conversations with the long-serving right-back throughout the season – including some difficult ones during pre-season.
“I do talk to him, quite a lot actually,” Slot said during his pre-match press conference. “When we started pre-season, he was in my office quite a lot – for other reasons. And now he’s in my office a few times as well.”
Pressed for specifics, the Dutch manager did not hold back. “Maybe it’s already a first gift I can give Xabi Alonso,” Slot said with a wry smile, referring to the incoming Real Madrid boss. “I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute – how he was on the training ground. In certain moments, he could do a bit more, to say it mildly.”
Slot also addressed lingering criticisms of Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities, suggesting the player has not always shown his full potential.
“People say he’s not a great defender, but I’ve told him: ‘You are – when you apply yourself. You’re fast, agile, and mentally strong. But you need to show that consistently, not just in 34 games, but in the four where it really matters.'”
Alexander-Arnold, who has made over 350 appearances for Liverpool, confirmed his exit earlier this week in an emotional social media post, calling it “the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.” However, the gesture appears to have done little to mend strained relations with the Anfield faithful.
His demeanor following Liverpool’s 3–2 defeat to Brighton – in which he remained on the bench – also drew attention. Cameras caught him emotionless, staring into the distance as Brighton fans celebrated their first-ever Premier League title, contrasting sharply with the exuberance around him.
If selected, Sunday’s fixture against Crystal Palace could mark Alexander-Arnold’s 354th and final appearance for Liverpool. But with boos already accompanying his last home outing, it remains unclear what kind of farewell he will receive – particularly with the club set to lift the Premier League trophy shortly after full-time.
Despite the tension, Slot left the door open for a final appearance, but signaled it would depend not on sentiment, but on form and focus.
