Arne Slot has not put a foot wrong at Liverpool – until now ...Middle East

Legends, united. Liverpool will lift the Premier League trophy on Sunday when Alan Hansen fittingly passes the silverware to Virgil van Dijk.

The two giants of their respective eras standing together on the Anfield stage adds a grandeur to the occasion, making “what a centre partnership that would have been” quips a near certainty.

Hansen was captain when Liverpool last lifted a top-flight trophy in front of supporters in 1990, and the 69-year-old’s presence could mark the biggest roar of the day given his major health scare last year.

It is set to be an emotional day, therefore, with Jurgen Klopp also attending five years on from Liverpool’s trophy presentation inside an empty, eerie Anfield.

But amid this burst of pride and red confetti that has been 35 years in waiting, a penny for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s thoughts.

Will he lift the trophy himself? Will he pose in front of the Kop? Or will he slink away and take a backseat during the celebrations after the match against Crystal Palace?

Either way, and whether he wants it or not, the cameras will probably be focused on Alexander-Arnold, who is leaving his boyhood club under a cloud this summer.

Some Liverpool fans feel betrayed by the 26-year-old after his decision to run his contract down – ahead of an expected move to Real Madrid – and he was subsequently booed by his own supporters when he came off the bench against Arsenal on 11 May.

square FOOTBALL Doing the 92

Trent was Liverpool's perfect Scouser - that's why his exit hurts so much

In what was his first appearance since confirming his departure, at this rate it could be his last, with Arne Slot leaving him as an unused substitute against Brighton on Monday.

Slot wisely protected Alexander-Arnold in this regard, but on Friday the Liverpool boss needlessly added fuel to the supporters’ fire when questioning the full-back’s mentality.

“Maybe he said it himself, he’s going to leave either way, so why not tell it,” Slot said.

“Maybe it’s already a first gift I can give Xabi Alonso, but I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute how he was on the training ground.

“So in my opinion he could, in certain moments, do a bit more to say it mildly.

“That’s what we talked about combined with that I said to him, ‘You’re a much better defender than everybody tells you, unfortunately you don’t show it all the time’.

“‘That’s why sometimes people say it’s a part of your game you need to improve, but if you’re just at it and focused and concentrated…’ there are not many players that can go around him because he’s fast, agile, has a great mentality. It’s about showing that every single game.”

Some “gift”. Alonso is widely expected to take charge of Madrid this summer, and while the Spaniard may appreciate Slot’s honesty, it has done little to ease any anxiety Alexander-Arnold may be feeling around Sunday’s game and the celebrations that follow.

It also clashes with Slot’s interview with the BBC this week, when he said he hopes Alexander-Arnold gets the reception he deserves.

“It would be fantastic, if it’s only going to be a positive moment for everyone at the club, and Trent is part of that,” Slot added. “I hope I can influence them, but they have their own opinion as well.”

An influence indeed, and an indication there is a ruthlessness behind that wide smile.

Trent Alexander-Arnold watches partying Liverpool fans after 3-2 Brighton defeat at Amex stadium pic.twitter.com/apetASIdfA

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) May 20, 2025

It is difficult to picture Klopp being similarly cold, particularly after Alexander-Arnold looked visibly upset when watching Liverpool’s away party to Freed From Desire in the stands at Brighton.

Alexander-Arnold’s glazed expression said more than words. He would have wanted a hug from his former boss at that point, and he certainly needed it.

But both though are now part of Liverpool’s past, and while Alexander-Arnold would like to think he gave the club his all, Slot – focused on the present and future – has mercilessly put a question mark on the player’s temperament, and has certainly put a blot on his final campaign in red.

It could have been different, and while many believe Alexander-Arnold made this rod for his own back, now he will never be viewed in the same light as Hansen or Van Dijk, Slot having just dealt the final, killer blow.

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