Xabi Alonso has told Trent Alexander-Arnold to enjoy his return to Liverpool, insisting the Real Madrid defender should savour the occasion regardless of the reception he receives from the Anfield crowd.
Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool last summer in acrimonious circumstances, with Real Madrid paying £8.5m to cancel his contract early and include him in their squad for the Club World Cup. The 27-year-old is likely to face a hostile reception, having angered supporters by departing at the end of his deal. On Monday, he was part of a Real delegation that laid floral tributes outside Anfield to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, with Alexander-Arnold leaving a personal message.
Alonso, who played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, said he had not discussed the expected reaction with the defender but believed he should embrace the moment. “He has to have his own feelings and enjoy it his own way,” Alonso said. “His history is different from mine, he was born and bred in Liverpool. I remember him from a young age in the academy and then coming to the first team and winning the Champions League. So he needs to enjoy the moment because it is nice to be back.”
Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real has been hampered by a hamstring injury sustained on his Champions League debut against Marseille on 16 September. He has not played since and was an unused substitute in Real’s last two matches. Alonso indicated he could feature in Tuesday’s tie. “He is good,” Alonso said. “He didn’t play against Valencia on Saturday because of the context of the game but he is available for any number of minutes. We need his qualities; he has great qualities. We need to give him what he needs because he is an exceptional player.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said Alexander-Arnold would receive a warm welcome from him personally, but was unsure how the fans would react. “I have great memories of the player and the human being,” Slot said. “He was my vice-captain last season and I have memories of working with him which were only positive. He will get a warm welcome from me. How the fans react I have no clue but that’s for sure.”
