Liverpool boss Arne Slot has slammed Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of his Anfield departure on Sunday.
The 26-year-old announced he was leaving his boyhood club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the year, much to the bemoaning of the Liverpool faithful.
He is expected to join Xabi Alonso and Dean Huijsen in making the move over to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
He has played a crucial role in securing his and the club’s second Premier League title, however, boss Slot has hit out at the defender’s attitude on the training pitch.
Arne Slot has hit out at Trent Alexander-Arnold's efforts in training
PA
Speaking ahead of their final game, Crystal Palace, Slot said: “He's [Alexander-Arnold] going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.
“I wasn't completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.
“In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly. I told him he's a much better defender than people think, but you don't show it all the time.”
The comments will not sit well with Liverpool fans, who have already made their feelings known about the departing defender.
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Arne Slot said he 'wasn't completely happy' with Trent Alexander-Arnold's training
PA
After announcing his decision to leave the club earlier this month, Alexander-Arnold has not been picked to start against either Arsenal or Brighton, with the 26-year-old not even coming on as a substitute in the latter.
It leaves Slot in a difficult position whether to pick the full-back for his farewell match, as he previously received a hostile reception at Anfield following his decision.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who was also born in the city but never left the club, discussed the issue on Sky Sports: "I was surprised how many [people were booing].
“When you're in a crowd of 60,000 people, I don't doubt there's a lot of unhappy people in Liverpool, about the situation, and I've said that's understandable.
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"I said when he came on at Leicester and there was a few boos from the away section that I don't believe any player putting that red shirt on and going out to play for the club and trying to win them three points and win them trophies should be booed.
"I understand there's a lot of ill feeling. I can get that and some people outside of Liverpool can't seem to understand that, I do, but I think booing one of your players when they're playing is not for me."
Mo Salah also came out in defence of his teammate, saying: “I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him.
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Mo Salah thinks Liverpool fans have been 'harsh' on departing Trent Alexander-Arnold
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“I think he didn't deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.
“We shouldn't act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people, who came here even for six months.”
However, Slot’s recent revelations of Alexander-Arnold’s lack of effort in training could anger fans even more.
While the defender will be leaving on a free transfer, during his time at Liverpool he made 353 appearances and provided a remarkable 92 assists, despite playing in defence.
