24 May,2025 08:46 AM IST | Liverpool | AFP
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold during the match against Arsenal on May 11. Pic/Getty Images
Arne Slot has not yet decided whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will play in Liverpool's season finale, but the Reds boss believes his outgoing star âdeserves' to be part of the title celebrations.
The England defender announced his decision to quit his boyhood club earlier this month and is widely expected to join Real Madrid. He was booed by Liverpool fans when he came on as a second-half substitute in last week's 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield and did not play in Liverpool's 3-2 defeat at Brighton on Monday.
Liverpool, who wrapped up the Premier League title last month with four games to spare, will be presented with the trophy after Sunday's game against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. Slot was asked by reporters on Friday whether he had concerns that the celebrations would be overshadowed by a negative reaction to Alexander-Arnold.
"I haven't decided [whether to play Alexander-Arnold] yet, but I think this should be a day that everybody is going to enjoy regardless. It's been 35 years everybody is waiting for this moment," said Slot, alluding to the fact that Liverpool's previous title celebrations in 2020 were held behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.
The Dutch manager also stood up for Alexander-Arnold and said he fully deserves to be a part of their celebrations despite a bittersweet end to his time at the club. "Trent definitely deserves to be there [amid the celebrations] as well because he's been part of an incredibly successful season and an incredibly successful (few) years at this club," Slot said.
If Alexander-Arnold is sidelined for the final game, Conor Bradley is expected to start at right-back.
Slot was also asked whether Liverpool had the potential to dominate the EPL in the way that Manchester City have done in recent years. The Dutchman said the
key was whether his men could show a âserial winner mentality.' "I'll get the answer on July 8 when we come back to see in what shape the players are. Many teams have won the EPL once, but not many have won it multiple seasons in a row. That's for a reason: first of all because it's so difficult, secondly not every player has this elite mentality," added the Liverpool boss.
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