Arne Slot seemed quite content to talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold this morning, not shutting down questions on their relationship or his defensive capabilities.
The right-back made headlines when quizzed about his contract running down after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth saying that trophies were his main motivation as he edges towards the last six months of his current deal.
His comments about Slot helping him become, “the defender that no-one wants to come up against in Europe” though, went a little under the radar.
The Liverpool manager said that reading the praise was nice, acknowledging that it’s not easy to replace Jurgen Klopp, but what felt more targeted was Slot talking up Trent’s reputation.
“The only thing I know is we are talking about a player who has won the Champions League and a league title,” he said. “It’s clear to me he’s been a good defender all his life. It’s not about if he’s capable of doing things. It’s more about his concentration rate.”
Slot will want that focus to be entirely on the pitch ahead of four games in 11 days; across three competitions, but the questions will keep coming as the nights draw in, and January edges closer.