Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he has “only positive” memories of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the wideman prepares for a potentially frosty reception on his first return to Anfield since leaving for Real Madrid.
Home fans jeered Alexander-Arnold’s name before kick-off and booed when he replaced Conor Bradley during a 2-2 home draw with Arsenal days in May, days after announcing that he would end his 21-year association with the club when his contract expired at the end of last season.
“I can only tell you what reception he will get from me,” Slot replied when he was asked about Alexander-Arnold before the Spanish side arrive for the league phase match in the Champions League.
“I have great memories of the player and human being. He was my vice-captain last season and my memories of working with him are only positive.”
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Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Trent returns
Alexander-Arnold made 44 appearances and was a regular starter for Slot during the Dutchman’s first season in charge in 2025/26, but the 27-year-old has struggled with injuries and form since joining Madrid, last playing in a five-minute outing during Madrid’s 2-1 home win over Marseille on September 16 and losing his place in England’s squad.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested Alexander-Arnold may have “sacrificed” his “legacy” by making the move.
“Real are one of only two clubs to have won more European Cups than Liverpool,” Carragher wrote in The Telegraph at the time.
“So when a top-class academy player makes this kind of a move, there is a simmering resentment from the local fanbase that they are trying to separate themselves from ‘their own’ or think there is something bigger or better out there for them.”
Alexander-Arnold won two Premier League titles as part of a clean sweep of domestic trophies with Liverpool, as well as becoming a European champion in 2019.
“I have memories of watching him on television that are only positive, as well,” added Slot. “I can remember multiple great moments from him wearing the Liverpool shirt.
“He will get a warm welcome from me, that’s for sure. Let’s first wait and see if he’s on the pitch and [see] how our fans react. I have no clue how that’s going to be.”
Alexander Isak: Liverpool striker injured
British-record £125 million signing Alexander Isak has not trained and will miss the visit of Madrid, with Slot accepting that the striker will also be unable to start at Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Sweden international has been blighted by a lack of fitness and injuries, starting four of Liverpool’s nine games since arriving from Newcastle.
Goalkeeper Alisson and defender Jeremie Frimpong are also out until at least November 22, when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield in Liverpool’s first match after the international break.
Liverpool are 10th in the Champions League after collecting six points from their first three matches, while La Liga leaders Madrid have nine points.
The Premier League holders ended a run of six defeats in seven matches in all competitions by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at home in the top flight on Saturday.
How to watch Liverpool vs Madrid: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 20:00 GMT (16:00 ET / 14:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Amazon Prime Video.
A Prime Video membership is £8.99 per month or £95 per year paid annually, with a half-price offer for fans aged between 18 and 22.
Membership includes unlimited delivery on a huge selection of Amazon items and a range of other perks such as movies, series, documentaries and photo storage.
Liverpool Champions League fixtures, results 2025/26
Liverpool’s other opponents in the league phase include reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray, Dutch titlists PSV and their Azerbaijani counterparts, Qarabag.
Inter reached the Champions League final last season and finished second in Italy, while Marseille were runners-up in France.
Eintracht Frankfurt came third in Germany and had Hugo Ekitike to thank for 22 goals in all competitions in 2024/25, causing Liverpool to pay them an initial £69m for the France newcomer in July.
All fixtures start at 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET / 13:00 PT.
Wednesday September 17: Liverpool 3-2 Atleti
Tuesday, September 30: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Wednesday, October 22: Frankfurt 1-5 Liverpool
Tuesday, November 4: Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Wednesday, November 26: Liverpool vs PSV
Tuesday, December 9: Inter vs Liverpool
Wednesday, January 21: Marseille vs Liverpool
Wednesday, January 28: Liverpool vs Qarabag
Liverpool Champions League squad 2025/26
Liverpool’s List A Champions League squad has been registered until the round of 16 in February 2026, when clubs can register a maximum of three new players within the existing limit of 25.
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Endo, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez, Connor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Andy Robertson, Jeremie Frimpong
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Domink Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Rio Ngumoha
List B submissions, comprised of players born after January 1, 2004 who have been eligible to play for the club for an uninterrupted period of two years since their 15th birthday, can also be made until midnight before each match.
Midfielders Stefan Bajcetic and Trey Nyoni and forward Jayden Danns are initially on List B.
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