Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he has “only positive” memories of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the player prepares for a potentially frosty reception on his first return to Anfield since leaving for Real Madrid.
Home fans booed Alexander-Arnold’s name before kick-off and jeered him when he replaced Conor Bradley during a 2-2 home draw against Arsenal in May, days after announcing he would end his 21-year association with the club when his contract expired at the end of last season.
“I can only tell you what a reception he will have from me,” Slot responded when asked about Alexander-Arnold before the Spanish team arrives for the Champions League league phase match.
“I have great memories of the player and the human being. He was my second captain last season and my memories of working with him are only positive.”
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: We speak to Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of an emotional return to Anfield on Tuesday 🔜
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Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Trent returns
Alexander-Arnold made 44 appearances and was a regular starter at Slot during the Dutchman’s first season in charge in 2025/26, but the 27-year-old has struggled with injuries and form since joining Madrid, last playing in a five-minute outing during Madrid’s 2-1 home win over Marseille on September 16 and losing his place in the England squad.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested Alexander-Arnold may have “sacrificed” his “legacy” by making this move.
“Real is one of the only two clubs that has won more European Cups than Liverpool,” Carragher wrote in The telegraph At the moment.
“So when a top-level academy player makes this kind of move, there is a simmering resentment among the home fans that they are trying to separate themselves from ‘their own’ or think there is something bigger or better in store for them.”
Alexander-Arnold won two Premier League titles as part of a domestic trophy sweep with Liverpool, as well as becoming European champions in 2019.
“I have memories of watching it on television that are also positive,” Slot added. “I can remember multiple great moments of him wearing the Liverpool shirt.
“You will receive a warm welcome from me, that’s for sure. Let’s first wait and see if he is in the field and [see] How our fans react. “I have no idea what that will be like.”
Alexander Isak: the injured Liverpool striker
£125m British signing Alexander Isak has not trained and will miss Madrid’s visit, and Slot accepts the striker will also be unable to start for Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Sweden international has been blighted by a lack of fitness and injuries, starting four of Liverpool’s nine games since arriving from Newcastle.
Goalkeeper Alisson and defender Jeremie Frimpong will also be sidelined until at least November 22, when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield in Liverpool’s first game after the international break.
Liverpool are 10th in the Champions League after collecting six points from their first three games, while La Liga leaders Madrid have nine points.
The Premier League champions ended a run of six defeats in seven games in all competitions by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at home in the top flight on Saturday.
How to watch Liverpool vs Madrid: live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 20:00 GMT (16:00 ET / 14:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Amazon Prime Video.
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Liverpool Champions League fixtures, results 2025/26
Liverpool’s other opponents in the league stage include defending Turkish champions Galatasaray, Dutch champions PSV and Azerbaijani counterpart Qarabag.
Inter reached the Champions League final last season and finished second in Italy, while Marseille were runners-up in France.
Eintracht Frankfurt came third in Germany and had Hugo Ekitike to thank for 22 goals in all competitions in 2024/25, prompting Liverpool to pay them an initial £69m for the French newcomer in July.
All matches start at 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET / 13:00 PT.
Wednesday, September 17: Liverpool 3-2 Atlético
Tuesday, September 30: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday, October 22: Frankfurt 1-5 Liverpool
Tuesday, November 4: Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Wednesday, November 26: Liverpool vs PSV
Tuesday December 9: Inter vs Liverpool
Wednesday, January 21: Marseille vs Liverpool
Wednesday, January 28: Liverpool vs Qarabag
Liverpool Champions League Squad 2025/26
Liverpool’s List A Champions League squad is registered until the last 16 in February 2026, when clubs can register a maximum of three new players within the existing limit of 25.
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Endo, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez, Connor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Andy Robertson, Jeremie Frimpong
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Domink Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Rio Ngumoha
Registrations for List B, made up of players born after January 1, 2004 who have been able to play for the club for an uninterrupted period of two years since they turned 15, may also be made until midnight before each match.
Midfielders Stefan Bajcetic and Trey Nyoni and forward Jayden Danns are initially on List B.
