Arne Slot With the concentration on player Liverpool, according to Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool still have

Arne Slot plans to transform Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Aufield exit into a positive for Liverpool, said the head coach. The right -back will leave Merseyside this summer for Real Madrid on a free transmission, which means that the Dutchman has to find a way to replace it.

Conor Bradley will begin the Premier League meeting with Arsenal in Anfield on Sunday, as the preparations for the next season will continue with the secure title. The slot may have to search outside the club so that someone challenges the Northern Ireland national player for the right-back.

“If I could make the choice, I would prefer to stay a trent,” said Slot. “I won’t change everything, but it is another when Trent plays as Conor, or Joe Gomez or Curtis Jones, so it brings what I like: finding the properties that we now have in our team because conor brings different properties as a trent.

“There is also energy for them when new players come in or have just joined a new club. Last season they were all new to me. It doesn’t always have to lead to something negative.”

Of the three players who had no contract, it is a relief that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will remain in Liverpool. “I was hoping that all three of them stay,” said Slot. “It is still a disappointment that one of these three has decided to go. But I am very, very, very happy about Virgil and Mo, who expand their contract. I think that achieved the headlines and everyone has already talked about it, but that should not be forgotten.”

There was potential for the game on Sunday to play an important role in the title race, but the second -placed Arsenal could not keep up with Liverpool. Slot said about his counterpart Mikel Areta: “He works there for five years, he should have a lot of recognition for the way his team plays because they can play almost every style.

“You can play set pieces, you can defend yourself in the low blocks and be the dominant team, you can play a high press, you can build up from behind, you play the long ball. Every part of the game is good. It is quite difficult to analyze them because you don’t know what you can expect on Sunday.”