Real Madrid News
Liverpool boss opens up about Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid links – ‘I can tell you…’
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reassured that Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, remains fully dedicated to Liverpool.
Slot made it clear that Alexander-Arnold is committed to the team and will play in the upcoming match against Manchester United at Anfield.
Slot addressed the rumors surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future, especially with speculation about a possible transfer to Real Madrid.
Slot is in touch with the defender
While acknowledging that he regularly communicates with his players, Slot confirmed that he had spoken to Alexander-Arnold and emphasized his commitment to Liverpool.
“I speak to every player from time to time. It’s the same with Trent, so yeah… I spoke to him,” Slot in his pre-match press conference (h/t Liverpool Echo).
Despite ongoing speculation about a move, especially with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Slot made it clear that the 26-year-old would continue to play for the Reds, including their next match.
“He is fully committed to us and I can tell you that he will play on Sunday. Hopefully, he will return to the performance of the first half of the season, as you have seen how much he wants to be here and how much he wants to win here,” he added.
Real Madrid are pushing
It is no secret that Liverpool are working hard to keep hold of their star defender, whose contract situation has put him at the centre of transfer discussions.
Alexander-Arnold has turned down several contract renewal offers, leading to increasing interest from Real Madrid, who are confident that they will secure his signature in the summer of 2025.
In fact, they have made no secret of their interest, and reports suggest that they believe they have convinced the player of their vision for the future.
One offer has been rejected
In a bid to accelerate the process, Real Madrid made an approach to Liverpool earlier this week, suggesting the possibility of bringing Alexander-Arnold to the Santiago Bernabeu earlier than expected.
However, their offer was rejected. Later, they launched a more informal inquiry, asking Liverpool whether they would consider selling the defender this January.
The answer from Liverpool was clear: they rejected the approach, making it known that they were not willing to part with Alexander-Arnold at this time.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
