Winter transfer Window: Slot's unexpected message to Real Madrid

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has poured cold water on speculation linking Trent Alexander-Arnold with a move to Real Madrid, insisting the English right-back is fully committed to the club.

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Speaking ahead of Liverpool's upcoming match, Slot addressed the persistent rumors linking Alexander-Arnold with a move to the Spanish giants. The Dutch manager was emphatic in his declaration that the defender would be starting and is fully focused on his role at Anfield.

"I can tell you that he will play on Sunday and I hope he has the same performances as in the last half a year, because everyone saw how great his first half of the season was, how good he is here, how much he wants to win here. I see him in training every day working hard. He's totally committed to us and will play on Sunday," Slot stated.

Slot went on to explain why he believes such rumors won't affect Alexander-Arnold or his teammates, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who are also in the final year of their contracts. "If Liverpool players are destabilized by other people talking about them, then we would have a problem, because if you play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, everyone talks about you all the time, for 12 months, sometimes in relation to other clubs. That happens to our players very often, so if that destabilizes them, then we would have a problem, not just now, but in the last six months, because people have been talking about our players in the last six months and I don't think it has destabilized them at all," he argued.

The manager's comments will be a relief to Liverpool fans who have been concerned about the future of one of their most talented players. Alexander-Arnold has been a key figure in the Reds' success in recent years, and his commitment to the club is crucial as they look to challenge for major honors this season.

Slot's confidence in Alexander-Arnold's commitment is likely to fuel speculation about a new contract for the England international. With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, Liverpool will be keen to tie down one of their most valuable assets to a long-term contract.