After just the second competitive game, Arne Slot is in demand as Liverpool FC’s moderator. Trent Alexander-Arnold was visibly annoyed at the 2-0 defeat to Brentford
Two games, six points, 4-0 goals: Arne Slot could hardly have imagined his Premier League start at Liverpool FC to be much better. However, the first murmurs of discontent were heard on Sunday during the home win against FC Brentford – because of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England international, who is much more than just a right-back in the Reds’ game, reacted with marked anger when Slot took him off the pitch in the 72nd minute, even though Mohamed Salah had just scored to make it 2-0. Alexander-Arnold sat down on the bench so disgruntled that Slot even briefly sought to talk to him.
After the final whistle, Jürgen Klopp’s successor played down the scene with aplomb. “He didn’t look very happy when he was taken out of the game – I understand that. Every player wants to play 90 minutes. I don’t think the players who were on the bench at the start were happy with my decision.”
Alexander-Arnold had already been substituted early on the first matchday, when Liverpool won 2-0 at promoted Ipswich Town (77th), something that had “only” happened to him eleven times in 28 league appearances under Klopp in the previous season and only 46 times in a total of 228 Premier League games.
“We take care of Trent ”
Slot’s explanation: “Trent came back from the national team, where he played quite a lot at the start of the European Championship, then didn’t play anymore. He had a couple of weeks off, came back – this is only his third game. We have to look after him because we need him for the whole season and not just for the first two games.”
Fortunately, he has “a very good backup” in Conor Bradley, Slot said. “So we’ll take care of Trent.” Incidentally, he “played a good game”. Will that appease the 25-year-old? When Liverpool visit Manchester United on Sunday, Slot’s change management will certainly be under scrutiny.
