Arne Slot “disappointed” by Alexander-Arnold decision – but “I’m more used to it” – Liverpool FC

Trent Alexander-Arnold has dominated discussion this week and it was no different when Arne Slot fronted the press for the first time since the news broke.

On Monday, Alexander-Arnold formally announced the news we had all been expecting and debate has since raged on over the decision and what comes next.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, wasted no time and have already made an approach to buy him out of his contract early so he can fully take part in the Club World Cup this summer.

• READ: Trent “shouldn’t play another minute,” but no “favours” for Real

With Slot last speaking to the press after the defeat at Chelsea, it was clear what would be on the agenda in his pre-Arsenal press conference on Friday.

Asked about his reaction to the news, Slot was his typically level-headed self, saying: “I think, like everybody who likes Liverpool, who’s a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed for him leaving.

“Not only is a good human being leaving the club, but a very, very, very good full-back is leaving us as well.

“But I’ve worked at clubs where every season a very good or multiple very good players have left the club so I’m a bit more used to it.

“The experience I have, and by the way, this club as well, is that if someone, a very good player, is leaving, the next very good player will step up, and that’s probably what’s going to happen.”

As for Real Madrid‘s approach, Slot attempted to be coy as Alexander-Arnold did not specifically mention the Spanish side in his announcement, saying: “Do you know where he’s going?

“He hasn’t said anything about himself, the only thing he said is that he’s gonna leave the club.

“So for me, it’s impossible to comment on where he’s going and if that is a club that is going to play in the Club World Cup.

“You see by my smile that we both know where he’s going, but it hasn’t been said yet, so that’s impossible for me to comment on.”