The arrival of new head coach Arne Slot has calmed a few things while igniting a few. Even if he’s mentioned Liverpool already plays the kind of football he likes the question is who he wants it to play with. While a few are offering themselves a way out, the Dutchman could also be hinting at a few things.
Arne Slot says Alexander-Arnold gets tired in the second half
Arne Slot has had high praise since he arrived at Anfield. While most of the players are applauding the change in the system, there could be concerns over some detachment in the dugout.
The question on Alexander-Arnold has been taking twists and turns. In the latest, Slot might be speculating the Reds’ vice-captain should be getting used to substituting. While addressing the media before the Forest game via Youtube, Arne Slot said :
“He proved he could do 90 minutes, but maybe he could have done that before as well. In the Ipswich game, I saw he became a bit tired towards the end of the game”
“Sometimes in the beginning it was that I saw he was tired and sometimes it is also having another player like Conor Bradley who can do the job well.”
“It’s also good for Conor to get his playing minutes or for the one that comes in for Mo [Salah] or the one who comes in for one of the other ones I took off. You guys – and I understand – try to look always at the individual, I look at the team and I have to prepare the whole team, the whole squad, for the upcoming fixtures.”
Although, this is not a clear message about the kind of game-time Alexander-Arnold will be having. It certainly does make clear, that Slot won’t be hesitant to take him off when he sees a need to.
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Arne Slot and Alexander-Arnold have been on a stumbling boat ever since the first matchday. The substitution incident at Ipswich could be the start of it. The Reds’ vice-captain is currently in the last season of his £180,00 per week contract. He has made 313 appearances with 100 goal contributions as of September 2024. The 25-year-old has been backed by some football elite while some may raise concerns about things heating up between him and Slot.
While there are leading links of Alexander-Arnold with some great clubs, many would want him to stay. The local boy has also been warned about the consequences by some football pundits. However, being in his top shape and bagging MOTMs at international breaks, it will be tough for him to see his game time being sacrificed.