Arne Slot has played down suggestions of a rift with Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool defender appeared unhappy at being substituted against Brentford. Alexander-Arnold was replaced with 18 minutes remaining of the 2-0 Premier League win over the London side at Anfield on Sunday. The Reds had just doubled their lead with Mohamed Salah ’s second goal of the season following a first-half opener from Luis Diaz. Slot was moments later pictured in conversation with a seemingly disgruntled Alexander-Arnold on the bench during the remaining moments of the game.
Arne Slot said “I understand. Every player wants to play 90 minutes but I don’t think the players who were on the bench from the start were really happy with the choice I made. Liverpool Echo Icon Sign up to FREE email alerts from Analysing Anfield We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info “Trent came back from national team where at the beginning of the tournament (European Championships with England) he played quite a lot and then he didn’t. He had a few weeks off and then came back. “It’s only his third game and we have to take care of him as well because we need him for the whole season and not only the first two games. “What a good thing for me is that I have a very good backup with Conor (Bradley) as well. We are taking care of Trent, but he played a good game.”
Slot became the first Liverpool boss since Graeme Souness in 1991 to win his first two league games, and was afforded a warm reception when walking on to the pitch after the game and waving to the Kop. And of the backing of the Anfield crowd, he added:
“The reception from the fans was similar to the reception I got from all the people in and around the AXA and the people who work for Liverpool. “I can’t speak for all the managers but I think all of them would tell you the same, every manager who comes in here feels the warmth of this club, the appreciation of the fans, and the most important thing we as managers have to do is make the team play in the style the fans likes to see. “That’s what we are trying and the boys showed that today and the fans showed appreciation of that.”
