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6 hours ago
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Liverpool and their fans have quite a lot to be happy for and celebrate with their Premier League title win this season.
However, the Reds have a downer approaching with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to play his final match at Anfield this weekend. The Englishman has decided against renewing his contract at Anfield and is expected to join Real Madrid this season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have had an underwhelming run this season and will be replacing Carlo Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool academy graduate, who started his senior career at Anfield in 2016, has overall spent a little over two decades at the Merseyside club.
While the 26-year-old's departure has brought in mixed feelings from fans, some of who even strongly disapproved of his decision to leave, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot shared his opinion on Alexander-Arnold's departure.
What did Arne Slot say about Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit from Liverpool?
While speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot addressed Alexander-Arnold's upcoming departure from Anfield, referring to it as his 'first gift' to Real Madrid's soon-to-be head coach Alonso.
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The Dutch manager, however, also mentioned (comments via BBC Sport) that he was not totally satisfied with Alexander-Arnold's efforts on the pitch.
"It is already a first gift I can give Xabi but I wasn't completely happy with every single minute how he was on the training ground. In my opinion, in certain moments he could do a bit more, to say it mildly," he said.
"That is what we talked about, combined with that I said to him, 'You are a much better defender than everybody tells you, unfortunately you don't show it all the time' and that is why people sometimes tell you it is a part of your game you need to improve," added Slot.
When asked about what reception he expects Alexander-Arnold to get when he receives his title winner's medal, Slot claimed that he hopes it is the 'same for every other player' who has contributed to their success this season.
"I hope the same for every other player that contributed to us winning the league, that they will get the reception every player deserves. All have worked so hard, not only this season, but throughout their careers to achieve something like this. They did this for themselves, but partly also driven by our fans. It would be fantastic, if it's only going to be a positive moment for everyone at the club, and Trent is part of that. I hope I can influence them, but they have their own opinion as well," said Slot.
Alexander-Arnold is set to play his last game for Liverpool on May 25, against Crystal Palace at Anfield. Slot & Co. are set to receive their honors as Premier League champions following the game on Sunday.
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