‘Good human being’ has copped ‘negative’ reaction to Liverpool exit, says Slot

Arne Slot has said he expects the “next very good player” to replace Trent Alexander Arnold at Liverpool and is “not here to tell the fans how they should react” to the defender’s decision to leave the club.

Out-of-contract Alexander Arnold announced on Monday that he will end his 20-year association with the Reds at the end of the season, with the 26-year-old expected to join Real Madrid before the start of their Club World Cup campaign on June 18.

“If people have opinion about us – whether it’s Trent, me or someone else who works in this industry – that’s not new for anyone,” said Slot.

“It’s probably a bit more for him now and maybe a bit more negative than he’s used to. I’m not here to tell the fans how they should react.”

“Like everyone who is a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed for him leaving” 🗣️

Arne Slot on Trent Alexander Arnold’s departure from the club ➡️ pic.twitter.com/in96QjI3P5

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 9, 2025

Trent Alexander Arnold: Real Madrid ‘hasn’t been said’

Alexander Arnold was one of three high-profile players whose contracts expired this summer but has not joined top scorer Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk in agreeing new terms.

The England international, who has contributed 23 goals and 86 assists in 352 appearances for Liverpool since making his debut in 2016, has long been linked with a switch to Madrid.

“Do you know where he is going?” asked Slot. “He hasn’t said, so for me it’s impossible to comment on where he’s going and if it is a club that is going to play in the Club World Cup.

“You can see from my smile that we both know where he’s going, but it hasn’t been said yet. I will see Trent in a bit – the boys had a few days off – and wait and see how he feels about him announcing he will leave the club.

“I did speak to him on WhatsApp. Trent is the first to have said that he would prefer us not to be distracted by this announcement.”

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Conor Bradley to start

Conor Bradley will start against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 BST), Slot confirmed, adding that the Northern Ireland captain needs game time to prepare for next season.

The 21-year-old, who made his full debut for the club in January 2024, has missed 15 games through injury in all competitions in 2024/25 and has made only four league starts for the champion.

Bradley is highly rated but Alexander Arnold is a vastly experienced figure to replace, having won a haul of trophies including the 2018/19 Champions League, the 2019/20 Premier League and the 2021/2022 FA Cup alongside two EFL Cup titles.

“A good human being is leaving the club and a very, very good full-back,” said Slot. “I’ve worked at clubs where multiple very good players have left the club, so I’m a bit more used to it.

“The next very good player will step up – that’s probably what will happen now.”

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When did Liverpool win the title?

The Reds entered their game against Tottenham on April 27 knowing they needed a point to match Manchester United’s record of 20 English title wins.

There was an element of early doubt for Slot’s side when Dominic Solanke powered Tottenham into a 12th-minute lead, but Luis Diaz quickly restored parity four minutes later.

Aided by an error-strewn Tottenham display, Liverpool then took command as Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo goals gave them a 3-1 half-time lead.

Salah scored a trademark fourth to put the game beyond any doubt, with an own goal from Destiny Udogie completing the scoring.

🙌👑 pic.twitter.com/EEdFKADpSc

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 28, 2025

Premier League title: Which trophies has Arne Slot won?

Slot succeeded ex-Netherlands manager Dick Advocaat at former club Feyenoord before the start of the 2021/22 season, leading them to third in the top flight and the inaugural Conference League final.

The 45-year-old won the Eredivisie by seven points ahead of PSV in 2022/23 and lifted the Dutch Cup the following season.

He won the Eredivisie Manager of the Year award in both of his campaigns in charge. Feyenoord finished seven points behind PSV in 2023/24, losing two of their 34 league games.

Slot also won the second tier in his homeland as a midfielder for Zwolle in 2001/02 and 2011/12.

Trent Alexander-Arnold puts @LFC on the brink of the Premier League title…pic.twitter.com/wl0vQeQhKB

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 21, 2025

When are Liverpool on TV? Fixtures, channels, times

Here’s the full list of Liverpool games taking place in May, including the matches picked for TV and their kick-off times.

Sunday, May 11

Liverpool vs Arsenal (16:30, Sky Sports)

Monday, May 19

Brighton vs Liverpool (20:00, Sky Sports)

Sunday, May 25

Broadcast selections are yet to be announced for the final day of the season.

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace (16:00)