Trent Alexander-Arnold reaches 'harsh' agreement with Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Trent Alexander-Arnold has demanded Liverpool boss Arne Slot be ‘harsh’ with him in a bid to become the best defender in European football. The England star has enjoyed a positive start to life under the Dutchman, conducting video analysis meetings with his new boss to improve his performances.

While his attacking contributions were key to Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive ability has at times come under scrutiny. The 25-year-old has called on Slot to be critical of him in meetings to ensure he becomes a more rounded defender.

“I said to him (Slot) that I would like to be the defender that no one wants to come up against in Europe,” Alexander-Arnold said after Liverpool cruised past Bournemouth on Saturday, winning 3-0 at Anfield.

“We agreed that he will be harsh on me. If any time an attacker gets by me and gets past me, he will call it out in meetings, and individual meetings, and say this cannot happen.

“We go through every game together and he highlights where he wants me to improve. Even after the Milan game, we had about 20 clips going through what I could have done better and the good parts as well.

“It is really refreshing to have a manager who will help and guide and teach me how to be better as a player. I am someone who wants to learn, someone who wants to be the best and someone who strives to be the best ever.”

Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid, seemed frustrated when he was substituted during the opening day victory over Brentford last month. Fans were concerned that there was tension between the player and his coach.

But Slot played down a rift after the game, insisting: “I understand. Every player wants to play 90 minutes but I don’t think the players that were on the bench from the start were really happy with the choice I made.

“Trent came back from the national team, where in the beginning of the tournament (Euro 2024) he played quite a lot and then he didn’t.

“He had a few weeks off, came back and it is only his third game and we have to take care of him. We need him for the whole season and not only for the first two games.

“The good thing for me is that I have a very good backup as well with Conor, that means we are taking care of Trent, but he played a good game.”