Carlo Ancelotti’s response to Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer links before Liverpool game

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has declined to comment on the transfer rumours linking his club with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England star, whose contract at Anfield expires next summer, has been frequently linked with a move to the Spanish giants.

Alexander-Arnold is expected to be on the bench for Wednesday night’s clash against Ancelotti’s team after recovering from a hamstring injury, fuelling further speculation about his future with the Reds.

When asked about potential interest in Alexander-Arnold ahead of the match, Ancelotti deflected the question. However, he expressed his admiration for Liverpool and confessed that he still feels an affinity for Everton, having previously managed the Reds’ local rivals.

“I’m sorry but I cannot think about Alexander-Arnold,” he stated when asked about the Reds full-back. “He is not my player. I have fond memories of Everton and I regard Liverpool with the usual respect; they’re a fantastic club with great supporters. But I’m still an Evertonian!

“It will be a very intense match. We are two historic clubs, each with our own unique characteristics, and it will be interesting to see who can impose theirs. Liverpool are always a tough competitor. They were under Klopp, and they continue to be under their new coach.

“Liverpool has performed exceptionally well so far, better than us in domestic competition. But now we’re back and hoping to put up a good fight against formidable opposition. We hope to be in the mix as usual by the end of the season.”

Ancelotti was also quizzed about former side Everton’s recent struggles, since his departure in 2021 to manage Real Madrid, reports the Liverpool Echo.

“Of course I follow Everton,” he added. “I follow the club, I follow the results. Call me tomorrow after the game and I will talk to you about this (their struggles).”

Los Blancos head to Anfield with several key players missing through injury, including Vinicius Junior, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Rodrygo. Ancelotti named a 19-man travelling squad, and it appears that 21-year-old Raul Asencio will start at centre-back against Liverpool.

“I see him [Asencio] well, with personality,” Ancelotti said. “He’s always very good, focused. He did very well in the last two games and I’m convinced he’ll do well tomorrow.”