Slot says ‘disappointed’ Alexander-Arnold ‘did not play his best game’ against Man Utd as transfer speculation continues | OneFootball

Arne Slot admits defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was disappointed with his performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

Liverpool drew 2-2 with their rivals and Alexander-Arnold was criticised for his defending in the game.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and while Reds boss Slot has rejected suggestions of the transfer talk unsettling him, he admits it was not his best game on Sunday.

“I think we were all disappointed, not only Trent, we were all disappointed by the way we played,” he said.

“Trent did not play his best game, I’ve already said that but it’s not the first time in his life that he didn’t play the best game in his career.

Responding to social media criticism of the right-back, Slot said: “I’m not focused on social media posts. If you do that as a Liverpool manager then you would have no life. This is one of the biggest football clubs in the world and every second of the day people talk about us.

“I talk to my players, if there is anything that worries them then they share this with me. That has not happened up to now.

Reflecting on the weekend, Slot continued: “United’s manager said it is one of their best games that they have played. If they played so well and we can still come up with a 2-2 and having more chances than them, then maybe we are not in such a bad place.

“We had a disappointing result, we would’ve loved to have won that game, so every player would like to play again two days later.”

Liverpool now face Tottenham Hotspur in the Caraboa Cup semi-final having dismantled them 6-3 in the Premier League two weeks ago.

But Slot was keen not to dismiss his opponents: “I think what we expect is 2 teams that have such a clear identity and playing style. Both team trying to force that identity on the other.

“Large parts of the game two weeks ago, we showed our identity but they also showed how good of a team they are. Scoring 3 goals against us is also an accomplishment… not many teams have done that.”