Arne Slot is sad to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, but believes that Liverpool can continue from the right back.
Alexander-Arnold announced in midweek that he will not sign a new contract on Anfield, which means that he will be a free agent next month and release the road for a move to Real Madrid.
The graduate Liverpool Academy made his senior debut in 2016 and won two Premier League titles, a Champions League, a FA cup and two EFL cups with his youth team.
Regarding his departure, Slot said on Friday: “I think, just like everyone else who loves Liverpool and who is a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed that he is leaving because not alone [is] A good person leaves the club, but a whole, very, very good full-back leaves us too. “
Madrid hopes to agree to a deal for Alexander-Arnold than planned, so that he can participate in the Club World Club, which starts in mid-June.
Although Slot was unable to give much of an update, he hints the Spanish club the next destination for the English international.
Asked for Alexander-Arnold who left early for the Spanish giants, Slot said: “He didn't say anything about it himself.
“For me it is impossible to comment on where he is going and whether it is a club that will play in the club World Cup.
“You see my smile, we both know where he is going, but it is not yet said.”
Arne Slot spoke for the first time on Friday since Trent Alexander-Arnold announced his intention to leave Liverpool after the end of his contract ends at the end of June.
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The Dutchman confirmed that Conor Bradley would start on Sunday right back against Arsenal and the praise of the young Northern Irish, but he sang, but he did not stop him as a possible Like-for-like replacement for Alexander-Arnold.
Slot said: “Conor is a very talented player. Let's not compare him with Trent. Now in my opinion they are already two different types.
“Unfortunately, [he] Has not been fit all season and to become a very good player, you also have to be available every week, and that is the first step he has to take for next season.
“But we have a lot of faith in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool, and that is all he has shown, I think, in the past two seasons.”
The reaction to Alexander-Arnold's departure is mixed, with some fans disappointed that the full-back will not leave for any transfer costs, and Slot said it was not his place to assess how supporters should feel.
“I am not here to tell the fans how to react,” said Slot.
“I hope that all energy goes to the players on Sundays and to the support of our fans, and so less as possible for Trent – unless it is positive, they can do what they want.”
In terms of possible replacements from Alexander-Arnold, Slot was relaxed about the situation.
He said: “We have Bradley and I played Curtis Jones there, so we have players who can play that position.
“I think it would be a surprise for you if I told you now:” Yes, we'll see if we look at it. “
“We don't talk about contracts here, we don't talk about positions or if we want to improve the team in certain areas.”
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