Arne Slot conceded folks will assume Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s efficiency was affected by rumours surrounding his future in title-chasing Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
The Liverpool right-back, having been closely linked with Actual Madrid this week, had a recreation to overlook as United annoyed the Premier League leaders with a battling show at Anfield on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold, now within the remaining six months of his contract at his boyhood membership, struggled to impose himself and was at fault for the guests’ first purpose.
Reds supervisor Slot doesn’t consider the hypothesis had a huge impact, however accepts different folks will view the matter otherwise.
The Dutchman mentioned: “I believe 9 out of 10 folks will let you know that it affected him. I’m [the] one of many 10 that tells you that I don’t assume that affected him.
Liverpool 2-2 Man United
“What affected him is that he needed to play in opposition to Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, two starters for Portugal, nice, nice gamers.
“If these gamers set themselves to a recreation – and that’s what United now and again does – then it’s very tough to play in opposition to them.
“I believe that’s tougher for Trent to play in opposition to than the rumours that have been there in the course of the week.
“However that’s my opinion, and doubtless all people’s going to let you know that it needed to do with the rumours.”
Liverpool, who restored a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with a recreation in hand, fought again to guide with a Cody Gakpo strike and Mohamed Salah penalty after Martinez fired United forward.
But they lacked their standard management and United, displaying a spirit they’ve conspicuously lacked of late, restored parity 10 minutes from time by way of Amad Diallo.
Issues would possibly even have gotten worse for Liverpool as Harry Maguire spurned a gilt-edged stoppage time probability to grab victory for United.
Slot mentioned: “In fact it feels for us as two factors dropped.
“I believe for many individuals what stays of their head is what occurs in the long run and that was a giant probability for Maguire, in fact.
“However what you then would possibly are likely to overlook is that two minutes earlier than, Virgil had simply as large an opportunity to make it 3-2 for us.
“Ultimately, it was a tough recreation. It isn’t at all times straightforward to play in opposition to that fashion of soccer, particularly if they’ve such good high quality gamers.”
United’s efficiency arrested their run of three successive defeats and captain Bruno Fernandes voiced his frustration the aspect couldn’t produce such depth constantly.
The Portuguese advised Sky Sports activities: “I’m fairly upset as a result of if we present this as we speak at Anfield in opposition to Liverpool, who’re first within the league and doubtless the excellent workforce within the Premier League this season, why can’t we do that each week?”
Supervisor Ruben Amorim was happy with the response of his gamers after sturdy criticism following Monday’s loss to Newcastle.
He mentioned: “I need to see my workforce play so a lot better however I believe a very powerful factor right here is the mentality. That’s the key for the whole lot.
“At present we have been a unique workforce, not due to the system, not due to the technical points or tactical points of the sport [but because] we confronted the competitors in the best way that we’re speculated to face daily, coaching and match.
“It doesn’t matter the place, the opponent. We have to face daily like that.”
