Trent Alexander-Arnold not distracted by Real Madrid links: Liverpool boss Slot

Liverpool coach Arne Slot assures fans that Trent Alexander-Arnold remains committed to his role at Anfield, despite ongoing transfer rumours linking him to Real Madrid. As the Reds lead the Premier League table, Slot expresses confidence in his players' mental resilience.

In Short

• Liverpool coach says Alexander-Arnold unfazed by Madrid transfer rumours
• Liverpool currently sit atop the Premier League table with 18 points
• Alexander-Arnold's contract talks remain private amid interest from Spanish giants

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has insisted that vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold remains unfazed by transfer speculation linking him to Real Madrid. Despite ongoing rumors about the 26-year-old right-back's future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Slot insists the defender is fully focused on his responsibilities at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold, a key figure for Liverpool since his senior debut in 2016, has built a decorated career at the club, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup. Last month, he stated that his contract negotiations would remain private, despite growing interest from the Spanish giants.

Slot addressed the speculation ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, emphasizing the mental strength of his players. "I think you underestimate our players. These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not," Slot told reporters ahead of Sunday's Premier League home clash against Chelsea.

"Maybe if you're 17 or 18 years of age it could be difficult for you. But Trent has won the league, has won the Champions League; Virgil and Mo the same. I don't think that is a problem for them to perform and that's what we see at the moment because they're playing really well."

Slot also dismissed any concerns that Alexander-Arnold or other key players, such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah—both of whom are also nearing the end of their contracts—would be affected by transfer rumors. "If you think they're disturbed by this interest, then you don't do justice to how strong they are mentally. Trent, Virgil, and Mo have won major titles and continue to perform at a high level," he said.

Liverpool currently sit atop the Premier League table with 18 points from seven matches but face a challenge with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Slot hopes the Brazilian international will return before Christmas, though he cautioned that it’s too early to predict the full extent of the injury.

With the team’s focus on their title pursuit, Slot remains confident that external distractions won't disrupt their momentum as they prepare for another crucial fixture this weekend.