Liverpool manager Arne Slot has downplayed rumors linking Trent Alexander-Arnold with a potential move to Real Madrid.
The English defender, along with teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, is nearing the end of his contract, set to expire at the conclusion of this season.
This situation would allow these star players to leave on free transfers if no new deals are agreed upon before then.
Despite the potential loss of three key players, Slot remains unfazed. He reassured that the players are fully focused on their performances this season, with no distractions caused by the transfer rumors.
Slot emphasized that seasoned professionals like Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk are mentally strong and accustomed to interest from top clubs worldwide.
Slot elaborated, “These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, whether they have contracts or not. If you think they’re disturbed by these interests, then you don’t do justice to how strong they are mentally and what they are used to. This is part of our job.”
He added that players of their caliber, who have won major trophies such as the Premier League and Champions League, are unlikely to be rattled by rumors.
Alexander-Arnold, in particular, has been a prime target for Real Madrid, who may approach him in January if no contract extension is secured. Despite this, Slot remains confident that his players will not be swayed by external pressures. He shared a personal experience, saying,
“I was at Feyenoord last year, and they linked me with many clubs. This is part of the world we are living in. You just focus on what you have to do.”
Slot expressed his focus on the present rather than worrying about long-term contracts, reaffirming his trust in his players. He said, “For me, it is not something I am wondering about. If after the last game of this season is played, then it might bother me to think ‘are they here or not?’ But my main focus is now the short term, and I think in football, it is mainly about the short term – especially if you are a manager.”
The Liverpool boss was also asked about the upcoming clash against Chelsea, as the Reds aim to maintain their spot at the top of the Premier League table. Slot acknowledged the challenge Chelsea presents, noting their current form and position in the league. “If you look at the league table, it is [our biggest test],” Slot remarked. He added that Chelsea is a strong team, similar to Manchester United, another major rival Liverpool recently faced.
Slot concluded that while the league table suggests Chelsea will be Liverpool’s toughest opponent yet this season, football is unpredictable, and challenges can arise from any team. He cited Liverpool’s earlier difficulties with Wolves, a side near the bottom of the league, emphasizing that form and game plans can significantly influence outcomes.