Alexander-Arnold Returns to Anfield with Real Madrid, Slot Welcomes Comeback

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Trent Alexander-Arnold will be warmly welcomed back to Anfield when he faces his former club with Real Madrid in Tuesday night’s Champions League showdown.

The England international is set to return to Merseyside for the first time since his emotional departure last summer, ending a remarkable decade-long spell with the Reds that saw him lift two Premier League titles and the Champions League among a host of other honours.

Alexander-Arnold, a lifelong Liverpool fan and academy graduate, announced in May that he would be leaving his boyhood club to join Real Madrid — a move that initially sparked anger among sections of the Anfield support. The right-back was even booed during the final home games of the campaign, a reaction that drew criticism from former boss Jürgen Klopp, who said he was “deeply disappointed” by the treatment of one of Liverpool’s finest homegrown players.

Slot’s message of respect and admiration

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Slot was full of praise for the 26-year-old and urged supporters to show him respect when he steps out onto the pitch.

“I have great memories of the player and of the human being,” Slot said. “He gave so much to this football club and will always be part of Liverpool’s story. So he will get a warm welcome from me — that’s for sure.”

The Dutch manager, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in charge, said he was unsure what sort of reception the home crowd would give their former vice-captain.

“Let’s first wait and see if he is on the pitch tomorrow,” Slot added. “I have no clue how that’s going to be, but from my side, there’s only respect and appreciation for what he achieved here.”

Mixed emotions for Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold himself admitted earlier this week that returning to Anfield would be an emotional experience. “I’ll always love Liverpool — it’s my club, my home,” he said. “But I’m a Real Madrid player now, and I’ll give everything for my team.”

The England star has made a strong start to life in Spain, quickly becoming a key part of Xabi Alonso’s side as they look to defend their European crown.

Injury update: Isak ruled out

Slot also confirmed that Alexander Isak will miss the match due to a groin injury and is a doubt for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.

“He’s definitely not starting on Sunday,” Slot revealed. “Maybe he can be involved in the squad, but he’s still not training with the group.”