Trent Alexander-Arnold knows where he stands with Jose Mourinho as the Portuguese manager is reportedly Florentino Perez's preferred choice to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid. Arbeloa, who was appointed in January following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, is expected to leave at the end of the season.
According to The Athletic, Perez is heavily influencing the decision on the next Los Blancos boss in a bid to revitalise the club after a second consecutive trophyless campaign. A return to the Bernabeu would reunite Mourinho and Perez, who previously worked together from 2010 to 2013, a period that brought three trophies, including a record-breaking La Liga title in 2011–12.
Mourinho's tenure in Madrid fell short of Champions League glory, while Alonso has been linked with the Chelsea job. If Mourinho returns this summer, Alexander-Arnold would be playing under his third manager in just over a year at the club.
The 27-year-old has had a mixed debut season at Real Madrid, registering five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. Now established as the first-choice right-back, his campaign has been disrupted by hamstring and thigh problems, leading to inconsistent performances.
Back in 2019, Mourinho lavished praise on Alexander-Arnold and his former Liverpool full-back partner Andy Robertson. The pair were key to Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp, and during the 2019/20 season, they combined for 29 assists in 88 appearances across all competitions.
Mourinho highlighted their mentality and commanding presence, describing both as having "good arrogance," aggression, and "amazing character." He said: "The two full-backs also have to be Liverpool players, amazing players, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Amazing character and personality. Alexander-Arnold is a local boy, Robertson is a Scottish boy that a few years ago was relegated with Hull City."
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."
Current Real Madrid boss Arbeloa has also backed Alexander-Arnold, stating: "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."
Arbeloa stressed that his selections are based on trust and the belief that each player can influence outcomes, and he highlighted Alexander-Arnold's contribution in build-up play and chance creation as vital for Real Madrid.
