Arne Slot acknowledged that many would attribute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s underwhelming performance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United to speculation over his future.
The Liverpool right-back, linked heavily with Real Madrid this week, endured a difficult outing as the Premier League leaders struggled against a resilient United side at Anfield on Sunday.
With just six months remaining on his contract at the club, Alexander-Arnold failed to make his usual impact and was partly responsible for United’s opening goal.
Reds boss Slot dismissed the notion that transfer rumors played a significant role in Alexander-Arnold’s struggles but admitted others might see it differently.
“I think nine out of ten people will say it affected him. I’m the one who doesn’t agree,” Slot said. “What truly affected him was facing Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot—two top players who regularly start for Portugal.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled as Liverpool drew 2-2 at home to Manchester United
Arne Slot insisted that he doesn’t feel Alexander-Arnold was affected by his uncertain future
‘If these players set themselves to a game – and that is what United once in a while does – then it’s very difficult to play against them.
‘I think that is more difficult for Trent to play against than the rumours that were there during the week.
‘But that’s my opinion, and probably everybody’s going to tell you that it had to do with the rumours.’
Liverpool, who restored a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand, fought back to lead with a Cody Gakpo strike and Mohamed Salah penalty after Martinez fired United ahead.
Yet they lacked their usual control and United, showing a spirit they have conspicuously lacked of late, restored parity 10 minutes from time through Amad Diallo.
Things might even have got worse for Liverpool as Harry Maguire spurned a gilt-edged stoppage time chance to snatch victory for United.
Slot said: ‘Of course it feels for us as two points dropped.
‘I think for many people what stays in their head is what happens in the end and that was a big chance for Maguire, of course.
‘If these players set themselves to a game – and that is what United once in a while does – then it’s very difficult to play against them.
‘I think that is more difficult for Trent to play against than the rumours that were there during the week.
‘But that’s my opinion, and probably everybody’s going to tell you that it had to do with the rumours.’
Liverpool, who restored a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand, fought back to lead with a Cody Gakpo strike and Mohamed Salah penalty after Martinez fired United ahead.
Yet they lacked their usual control and United, showing a spirit they have conspicuously lacked of late, restored parity 10 minutes from time through Amad Diallo.
Things might even have got worse for Liverpool as Harry Maguire spurned a gilt-edged stoppage time chance to snatch victory for United.
Slot said: ‘Of course it feels for us as two points dropped.
‘I think for many people what stays in their head is what happens in the end and that was a big chance for Maguire, of course.
Slot outlined his disappointment at Liverpool dropping points in their clash with United
‘But what you then might tend to forget is that two minutes before, Virgil (van Dijk) had just as big a chance to make it 3-2 for us.
‘In the end, it was a difficult game. It is not always easy to play against that style of football, especially if they have such good quality players.’
Slot outlined his disappointment at Liverpool dropping points in their clash with United
‘But what you then might tend to forget is that two minutes before, Virgil (van Dijk) had just as big a chance to make it 3-2 for us.
‘In the end, it was a difficult game. It is not always easy to play against that style of football, especially if they have such good quality players.’