Trent Alexander-Arnold says it is “really refreshing to have a manager who will help and guide and teach me,” in what could be perceived as a dig at former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
England international Alexander-Arnold has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s best attacking full-backs but has struggle to shift the perception that he is weak defensively.
He has instructed new Reds manager Arne Slot to be hard on him and highlight his mistakes with the Dutchman providing face-to-face feedback.
Alexander-Arnold said after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Anfield: “I said to him [Slot] that I would like to be the defender that no one wants to come up against in Europe.
“We agreed that he will be harsh on me. If any time an attacker gets by me and gets past me, he will call it out in meetings, and individual meetings, and say this cannot happen. We go through every game together and he highlights where he wants me to improve. Even after the Milan game, we had about 20 clips going through what I could have done better and the good parts as well.”
Pointedly, Alexander-Arnold suggested Klopp had not taken such a hands-on approach.
He added: “It is really refreshing to have a manager who will help and guide and teach me how to be better as a player. I am someone who wants to learn, someone who wants to be the best and someone who strives to be the best ever.”
Lucho doubles 🆙
2️⃣ in 2️⃣ minutes 🤯 #LIVBOU pic.twitter.com/86mJC65byv
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 21, 2024
Frustrated at reputation
Alexander-Arnold admits to being frustrated at his reputation of being defensively suspect and points to a record of just one goal conceded in five Premier League this season as signs of an improvement.
“I think that perception was perhaps harsh if I am honest,” Alexander-Arnold said. “It was a big perception and it was hard to kind of shrug off with just one good defensive game. But when you put a lot together… we have had four out of five clean sheets [in the league], and that is exceptional from a back line.
“Defences win championships – that is the old saying and being part of that defence means I have responsibilities to make sure my winger doesn’t get a sniff in the game. I lay targets for every game, such as how many times I am dribbled past, how many times does he get a cross in, how many times a shot. Then I look back on it.”
