Trent Alexander-Arnold might have to hold an awkward conversation with Jose Mourinho should the Portuguese coach be appointed by Real Madrid. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur boss has recently been linked with a sensational return to the Bernabeu this summer.
According to The Athletic, Mourinho is Florentino Perez’s preferred candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa. The 63-year-old is now a strong contender to take the job despite not all club chiefs being behind his potential return.
Another who might be hoping that he is not appointed is former Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold. The England defender previously fired a brutal dig at Mourinho on social media after Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-1 in 2020.
Speaking about a conversation he had with Jurgen Klopp after that game, Mourinho said: "I told him the best team lost. He disagreed, but that's his opinion."
Alexander-Arnold took to social media after those comments by sharing an image of Liverpool’s celebrations alongside the caption: "Best team won."
Despite that exchange, Mourinho has always been complimentary of the former Liverpool star. In 2019, he said: "The two full-backs also have to be Liverpool players, amazing players, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Amazing character and personality."
He added: "And both they are physical, they are aggressive, they are what I call in football ‘the good arrogance’, they are not afraid to play, they go forward, they participate in attack."
Alexander-Arnold has had a difficult debut season with Real Madrid, having joined the Spanish side on a free transfer from Liverpool. He has made just 26 appearances in all competitions, with only 19 of those being starts.
Current boss Arbeloa said of his lack of action: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is showing a great level. His performance is beyond doubt. Right now he deserves to play, and when he hasn't played, Carvajal has done well. I'm not a coach to gift a minute to anyone."
Alexander-Arnold signed a contract with Real Madrid until 2031. He will be aiming to earn more opportunities over the closing weeks of the season, with Espanyol coming this weekend ahead of the latest instalment of El Clasico next Sunday.
