Arne Slot Doubts How Liverpool Supporters Will Welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold will receive a warm welcome from Arne Slot (Instagram/@trent).

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he would give a warm welcome to Trent Alexander-Arnold when he returns to Anfield with Real Madrid for the Champions League match on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, early morning WIB.

However, the Dutch coach did not know whether the supporters would do the same.

Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool at the end of last season, after making 354 appearances for his boyhood club after joining the academy at the age of six.

The 27-year-old has drawn criticism from several supporters after his contract on Merseyside expires and is likely to face an unfriendly welcome if he plays for Xabi Alonso's side at Anfield.

"I can only tell you what kind of welcome he got from me. I have fond memories of the player and his figure."

"He was my vice captain last season. I have positive memories of working with him and positive memories of watching him on television."

"I remember a lot of great moments in Liverpool uniform. He will be warmly welcomed by me. Let's wait and see if he will play tomorrow."

"What about the fans? I don't know how it will be, but he will be warmly welcomed by me, that's for sure," said Arne Slot.

Liverpool rose from a streak of four consecutive defeats in the Premier League on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot's men beat Real Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League league phase in November last year.

However, Arne Slot admits he expects very different challenges at the meeting later.

"For me, it's hard to compare this match with last season. Last season they had a lot of injuries and now they haven't."

"They keep most of the same team players. I see a lot in common. Xabi (Alonso) is doing a great job at Real Madrid."

"However, Carlo Ancelotti did the same thing. They have added several players so they can affect everything."

"I saw Real Madrid last season very good. They have always been great strengths in this tournament (League Champions) - they have won it 15 times."

"They are a very good team, but we are also a very good team," said the Dutchman.

Liverpool will not be strengthened by Alexander Isak against Real Madrid because the Swedish player is still recovering from a groin injury. Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong were also absent.

"The three of them are not available for tomorrow. Jeremie and Alisson will also not be available for Sunday (against Manchester City)."

"Regarding Alex, we have to wait and see. Obviously it won't start on Sunday (9 November 2025). However, maybe he can get into the squad."

"He's still not training with the team, so we have to wait and see," said Arne Slot.