Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he switched off his television when he heard Reds fans booing Trent Alexander-Arnold in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
The visit of the Gunners to Anfield on May 11 marked Liverpool’s first game since Alexander-Arnold announced his exit, which was met by a wave of negative reactions online.
Looking to the future without Alexander-Arnold – who is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expires – Arne Slot started Conor Bradley in that top-of-the-table clash.
However, the Northern Irishman’s fitness problems this season meant that he was never likely to play 90 minutes, and Arne Slot brought on Alexander-Arnold midway through the second half, by which point the atmosphere had already fallen flat.
Liverpool stormed into a 2-0 lead in the first half through Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, but Gabriel Martinelli pulled a goal back for the Gunners at the start of the second period, where the Reds were a shadow of their first-half selves.
Klopp blasts Trent boos in Arsenal game
© Imago
Alexander-Arnold’s introduction was not warmly received by an already anxious crowd, many of whom jeered the academy graduate when he came onto the pitch and whenever he touched the ball.
To make matters worse, the England international then played Mikel Merino onside for Arsenal’s equaliser, although the boos audibly died down towards the end of the contest.
Slot refused to condemn those who chose to boo Alexander-Arnold, insisting that everyone is free to express their opinion, but Klopp has revealed that he “could not have been more disappointed”.
Speaking at an LFC Foundation event – where a signed Alexander-Arnold shirt sold for £22,000 in an auction – Klopp said: “I’m not saying don’t be disappointed.
“But don’t forget what he’s done for this club. I heard the booing, I switched the TV off. I couldn’t have been more disappointed. This isn’t us.”
What does Slot do with Alexander-Arnold against Crystal Palace?
© Imago
While many people would love to be in Slot’s shoes, few would want to make the unenviable decision he has to make against Crystal Palace on Sunday, where Alexander-Arnold is set for his final Anfield appearance.
The right-back was an unused substitute in Monday’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, where Bradley got another 77 minutes under his belt before being replaced by midfielder Wataru Endo.
Alexander-Arnold might have fresh legs on his side, but many Liverpool supporters still feel betrayed by the right-back’s actions and should not hesitate to make their feelings clear on Sunday.
As Slot is also looking to the future with Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong – whose arrival from Bayer Leverkusen should be announced imminently – there is likely no benefit to giving Alexander-Arnold an on-field farewell.
As a result, the 26-year-old should depart with a record of 23 goals and 92 assists in 353 appearances for the Premier League champions, winning nine major trophies across seven different competitions.
