Since Trent Alexander-Arnold officially announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, fans have been furious with him, accusing him of betraying his childhood club.

As Liverpool, this season’s Premier League champions, prepare to face Arsenal, the second-placed team, Arne Slot has urged fans to avoid booing or whistling at Trent Alexander-Arnold.

If Liverpool had not already secured the title, tomorrow’s match against Arsenal would have been highly significant. However, Slot’s squad will now take to the field with complete calm in what is essentially a ceremonial game for them. Arne Slot told reporters that Alexander-Arnold will not be in the starting lineup tomorrow, with Conor Bradley taking his place at right-back.

Although Slot has decided not to include Alexander-Arnold in the starting lineup after his departure announcement, he pleaded with fans not to boo the player. The Liverpool manager said: “We are all upset, but Trent was the first to say he prefers this team and this club over any other in the world. Fans shouldn’t do anything to distract the team. I hope tomorrow all the fans’ energy is directed towards the entire team, not Trent. Unless they want to cheer for him. In that case, they can do whatever they want.”

Slot continued: “Perhaps if we put ourselves in his shoes, we can understand that Trent is looking for a new challenge. He has been playing in one league for years, and sometimes players get tired and want to experience something new. This is a decision that depends on each individual. I am someone who can understand many things and don’t lose my temper easily. Of course, I don’t mean that if I were in his place, I would have made the same decision. No, but I can understand. This was a very tough decision for Trent too.”

The Liverpool manager went on to praise Conor Bradley, comparing him to one of the best right-backs in the world today, Achraf Hakimi: “All full-backs run a lot, but Conor is in a league of his own. He can perhaps be compared to Achraf Hakimi at Paris Saint-Germain. Like Conor, Hakimi is everywhere during the game. But Hakimi is 26 years old, and Conor needs time to gain more experience.”