Carlo Ancelotti was asked about interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti dodged questions about the club's reported interest in Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 26-year-old England star, whose contract at Anfield is set to expire next summer, is expected to start on the bench for tonight's (November 27) Champions League clash after a hamstring injury, amidst ongoing talk about his future with the Reds.
Alexander-Arnold, alongside the recently-outspoken Mohamed Salah, and stalwart defender Virgil van Dijk, all have deals that run out in 2025, and none are yet to commit their future beyond that point.
Prior to Wednesday's pivotal tie, Los Blancos boss Ancelotti deflected queries regarding any interest in Alexander-Arnold, though praised the opposition and their manager Arne Slot, as well as reiterating his affinity for a former club, Liverpool's bitter city rivals Everton.
Slot details Liverpool squad reaction to Salah's contract bombshell
"I'm sorry but I cannot think about Alexander-Arnold," Ancelotti admitted on Tuesday. "He is not my player. I have fond memories of Everton and I regard Liverpool with the usual respect; they're a fantastic club with great supporters. But I'm still an Evertonian!
"It will be a very intense match. We are two historic clubs, each with our own unique characteristics, and it will be interesting to see who can impose theirs.
"Liverpool are always a tough competitor. They were under [Jurgen] Klopp, and they continue to be under their new coach. Liverpool has performed exceptionally well so far, better than us in domestic competition.
Alexander-Arnold has been linked with Los Blancos
"But, now we're back and hoping to put up a good fight against formidable opposition. We hope to be in the mix as usual by the end of the season."
Ancelotti also revealed he still keeps a close eye on his former club Everton, who he left in 2021 when departing for the Spanish capital, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"Of course I follow Everton," he admitted. "I follow the club, I follow the results. Call me tomorrow after the game and I will talk to you about this (their struggles)."
Heading to Anfield, Ancelotti's squad has been hit hard by injuries, with key players like Vinicius Junior, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Rodrygo missing from the 19-man squad list.
That seemingly confirms a start for young Raul Asencio in defence, with Ancelotti praising the 21-year-old. "I see him [Asencio] well, with personality. He's always very good, focused. He did very well in the last two games and I'm convinced he'll do well tomorrow," he insisted.
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