Arne Slot Drops Trent Alexander-Arnold Bombshell — Calls Out Star’s Effort & Hands Xabi Alonso a “Gift” Before Real Madrid Move

Anfield farewells turn sour as Liverpool boss exposes early-season tension and questions Alexander-Arnold’s focus.

Liverpool’s new era under Arne Slot took a dramatic turn as the Dutch manager publicly revealed behind-the-scenes details about Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of what could be his final Anfield appearance this Sunday.

With his contract expiring and a move to Real Madrid all but confirmed, Slot has not only admitted to tensions during pre-season but also criticized Alexander-Arnold’s training intensity—an extraordinary level of openness rarely seen at the top level.

> “I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute of how he was on the training ground,” Slot admitted. “To put it mildly… That’s the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”

Slot also revealed that the England international was a regular visitor to his office, suggesting persistent off-pitch issues from the start of the campaign. While the Liverpool boss praised Trent’s talent—“a much better defender than people think”—he pointedly stated that the 26-year-old doesn’t show it consistently, hinting at a lack of application.

This candid revelation may be interpreted as a final nudge out the door, especially after the Anfield faithful booed Alexander-Arnold following his exit announcement. His name on Liverpool’s Player of the Year shortlist now feels ironic to many supporters.

With Xabi Alonso preparing to take charge of Real Madrid, he now inherits a player with world-class potential—but also one who left his boyhood club under a cloud of criticism and exposed fault lines.

Slot’s honesty raises eyebrows—and expectations. If this is the beginning of his Liverpool revolution, nothing and n

o one is sacred.