Arne Slot has urged Liverpool fans to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a positive reception as he plays his final game for the club on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold has gone from hometown hero to a villain in the eyes of many fans after announcing he will leave the club at the end of the season, joining Real Madrid as a free agent. The right-back had hopes of a farewell tour with the Premier League title already secured, but the situation has become toxic amid a widespread feeling of betrayal among the fanbase.
The 26-year-old’s Liverpool career will come to a close on Sunday when Slot’s champions host Crystal Palace at Anfield before receiving the Premier League trophy. The Dutchman hopes supporters give Alexander-Arnold a warm farewell.
“I hope the same for every other player that contributed to us winning the league, that they will get the reception every player deserves,” Slot told the BBC.
“All have worked so hard, not only this season, but throughout their careers to achieve something like this. They did this for themselves, but partly also driven by our fans.
“It would be fantastic, if it’s only going to be a positive moment for everyone at the club, and Trent is part of that. I hope I can influence them, but they have their own opinion as well.”
(Image: NBC)
Alexander-Arnold has scored 23 goals and a remarkable 92 assists in 353 appearances for Liverpool, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Champions League in the process. The defender has four goals and eight assists in 43 appearances this season.
Slot admitted that he is unsure whether Alexander-Arnold will feature against Palace and make a 354th and final appearance for the club before jetting to Madrid.
The England international was an unused substitute in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday, and he cut a dejected figure as he faced the wrath of the travelling fans at full time.
“I haven’t decided yet [if Trent will play]. This should be a day that everyone enjoys,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference. “We have been waiting for this moment for 35 years. We set the example against Tottenham and I don’t think I have seen a celebration like that.
“I have a lot of trust in our fans to do the same again. I am hoping that we can add another moment to this. Everyone in the stadium deserves to be there, the fans, the staff and my players and of course Trent.
“He has been part of this season and so many great moments with this club. I have a lot of trust in our fans to do the same again.”
