Arne Slot insists Liverpool did EVERYTHING to try to keep Trent Alexander Arnold as Dutchman urges fans to lay off Real Madrid-bound star

• Trent Alexander Arnold is finalising terms with Real after 20 years at Liverpool
• Kop boss Arne Slot backs Conor Bradley to make the right-back position his own
• LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Are Arsenal even close to achieving big things? 

By LEWIS STEELE

Arne Slot is disappointed to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold but has full faith in Conor Bradley to step up and replace the Real Madrid-bound star.

Liverpool’s vice-captain ended a saga on Monday when he announced his decision to leave and he is now finalising a long-term contract at Real after 20 years at Anfield.

Slot said: ‘Trent is not the first and won’t be the last to leave a special club. We did everything we could to keep him and then we have to accept his decision.

‘You can maybe understand he wants a new challenge because, if he is so many years in the same league, some players want to experience something else.

‘It is a disappointment for the fans, team-mates and for me he is leaving. We are going to miss a very good human being and a very, very, very good full back.’

On Bradley, 21, Slot said: ‘Conor has such an intense playing style. They all run a lot but Conor is in his own league when it comes to running a lot! He needs time and a programme to keep him fit. He is not the only one who has not been a regular starter, who has had some injuries this season. Look at Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott.’

Trent Alexander Arnold is finalising a long-term contract at Real after 20 years at Liverpool

Manager Arne Slot has urged Liverpool supporters to get off Trent Alexander Arnold’s back

Slot praised Conor Bradley’s workrate and is confident he can make his name at right back

Alexander-Arnold’s new boss is likely to be former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who on Friday announced he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen.

Last year’s Bundesliga winner is widely tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti at his former club.

Bradley is set to start against Arsenal on Sunday and Slot urged fans not to lambast Alexander-Arnold.

‘I am not here to tell the fans how to react,’ he said. ‘We are all disappointed but Trent said he would prefer us as a club to not be too distracted by this announcement.

‘I am hoping all the energy goes to the team and players and less to Trent, unless it is positive.’

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Arne Slot insists Liverpool did EVERYTHING to try to keep Trent Alexander Arnold as Dutchman urges fans to lay off Real Madrid-bound star

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