Jose Mourinho has expressed sadness over Trent Alexander-Arnold's lack of playing time at Real Madrid, responding to speculation that the defender could leave the club in January. The former Liverpool star has made just three league starts this season since his £10 million move last summer.
Alexander-Arnold's struggles at Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold has yet to establish himself in Spain, having played second fiddle to Dani Carvajal for much of last season. This campaign, he has faced further competition after Mourinho signed Denzel Dumfries in the summer transfer window. In recent weeks, the 28-year-old has been further demoted as midfielder Federico Valverde has been deployed at right-back.
With only three league starts to his name this season, speculation has grown over a potential return to Liverpool.
Mourinho explains his selection decisions
Ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Racing Santander on Sunday, Mourinho was asked about reports that Alexander-Arnold could be weighing up his future. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss admitted the situation makes him "sad" but said his decisions are always made with the team's best interests in mind.
"Would I understand if Trent wants to leave?" Mourinho said. "I want players to feel good. When you build a squad with 2 players per position and you end up playing a third player, that makes me sad, but some things are better for the team."
He explained his reasoning for starting Valverde at right-back in wins against Sevilla and Barcelona, saying: "I saw that the time had come to make a change in midfield and field Valverde, and my thinking was focused on the interest of the team, not on the players' calculations."
Valverde to be rested, Alexander-Arnold's future uncertain
Mourinho added: "And when I explained to Trent and Dumfries that the decision was not directed against either of them, but rather came to serve the team, I received a positive reaction from both of them."
The 63-year-old confirmed Valverde will not start at the weekend but stopped short of saying whether Alexander-Arnold would be given the nod. "Valverde will not start tomorrow, but one of the other players will play from the beginning," he said.
"And in the Barcelona match, I brought on Dumfries due to certain circumstances, while Trent played for a few minutes, and I do not think either of them will ask me to let him go."
