Arne Slot reveals what Trent Alexander-Arnold told him after he was subbed v Aston Villa | OneFootball

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold was taken off early in the second half against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday night.

The Reds right-back looked in imperious form last night, and he was threatening to dominate the game after scoring the equaliser in the second half.

Alexander-Arnold recently returned to the first team after an injury lay-off, and Slot took him off as a precaution.

When he went off, the pair were seen having an exchange of words. The decision bemused many pundits, with Mark Lawrenson suggesting that it was a mistake from the Reds boss.

However, Slot revealed in the press conference that he told Alexander-Arnold a week before about his plans for him. He made it clear to him how many minutes he would get in the next five games. He also shared the defender’s five-word response to his decision.

So, despite the fact that Alexander-Arnold was in a different mood on the pitch, Slot stuck with his game plans.

The Reds boss said at his press conference: “We spoke about this already a week ago, that in these five games he already knows how many minutes he would make. That was in a situation where Conor [Bradley] was available as well.

“Now we maybe have to adjust our plan. I said to him, ‘You know why I take you off, don’t you?’ He said, ‘Yeah, we spoke about it.’ But, of course, a player has adrenaline and had just scored. It was a better moment than against Wolves when he lost the ball just before I took him off. He is improving.”

Alexander-Arnold only recently returned from injury, and Slot did the right thing by taking him off early. Conor Bradley replaced him, but he picked up an injury towards the end of the game.

Slot admitted that the Reds may now have to change plans following Bradley’s injury. Jarell Quansah can do a decent job on the right, but he is better used as a central defender.

In the next few games, Alexander-Arnold has a good chance of playing the entire 90 minutes, starting with the game against Man City at the Etihad.