Arne Slot said that Liverpool fans were entitled to their opinions after large sections of the Anfield crowd booed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s introduction against Arsenal on Sunday.
On Monday, Alexander-Arnold announced he would be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires this summer, with an expectation that he will sign a six-year contract with Real Madrid.
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The England international, who has spent the entirety of his professional career at Liverpool, replaced Conor Bradley in the 67th minute of the 2-2 draw against Arsenal with his introduction met by audible boos from the home crowd.
While many Liverpool fans applauded the 26-year-old’s introduction, that was drowned out by booing and loud chanting of Conor Bradley’s name.
“Everyone can have their opinion, that is the same in Liverpool,” Slot told Sky Sports after the match when asked on the reaction.
“Lots of people weren’t happy, others were. Everyone can have their opinion.
“For me its simple, I owe it to the team, to the fans and everyone to play a team who can win a game of football. Trent played two or three incredible balls. We were very close to winning it because of him. I will always back my players.”
The Liverpool head coach was then asked if Alexander-Arnold was taken aback by the scale of the booing when he took the pitch: “I don’t know, first of all they sung for Steven Gerrard and Conor Bradley which are nice things to do. Conor deserved it.
“I think it was just before Trent’s free-kick that more people clapped for him and wished for him to score. We cannot focus only on the fans who booed. A lot of people were very positive.”
Liverpool return to action on May 19 away to Brighton & Hove Albion.
(Carl Recine/Getty Images)
