Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, remains undecided over whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will feature in the club’s final match of the season, though he insists the defender is worthy of a place in the club’s title celebrations.
Earlier this month, Alexander-Arnold confirmed he would be leaving Anfield, with reports strongly linking him to a move to Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old was met with boos from some Liverpool fans when he appeared as a second-half substitute during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield. He was then absent from the Reds’ 3-2 loss to Brighton on Monday.
Having secured the Premier League crown with four matches still to play, Liverpool will officially receive the trophy following Sunday’s clash with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Slot was asked whether he was concerned that any involvement by Alexander-Arnold might attract a negative reaction from the crowd and taint the celebratory atmosphere.
“I’ve not yet made a final decision on that,” the Liverpool manager said. “But this is a day that should be about joy for everyone. It’s been 35 years in the making.”
Credit: worldfootball.net
Liverpool last lifted the Premier League trophy in 2020, but that triumph occurred in an empty stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Slot, who is concluding his first season in charge at Anfield, recalled the jubilant scenes following the club’s title-clinching win over Tottenham and expressed hope for another memorable moment on Sunday.
“I hope we can add to those special memories,” he said. “Everyone at the stadium deserves to be part of this — the fans, the staff, and the players.”
“Trent is one of my players, and he deserves to be part of this occasion. He’s contributed to a hugely successful season and has played a key role at this club for many years.”
The Dutchman was also asked whether Liverpool could begin a period of domestic dominance similar to Manchester City’s recent run of success. Slot said the answer would depend on whether his squad can adopt a “serial winner mentality.”
“We’ll find out on July 8 when we return for pre-season. That’s when you see what condition the players are in,” he said. “Many teams have managed to win the Premier League once, but repeating that feat consistently is rare — and for good reason. It’s incredibly difficult and requires an elite mindset.”
Slot praised Mohamed Salah as an example of such a mentality. The Egyptian forward has had an exceptional season, contributing 33 goals and 23 assists across all competitions.
“When I speak about Mo, it’s no accident he’s performed at such a high level for seven straight years,” said Slot. “Even last season, he returned from the break in peak physical condition. That’s the sort of mentality needed to be a serial winner — and it’s something both the players and I must prove we possess.”
