Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled since joining Real Madrid and club chiefs appear to be far from pleased by the decision to sign him
Trent Alexander-Arnold has seemingly been handed another Real Madrid setback
Trent Alexander-Arnold has seemingly been handed another Real Madrid setback(Image: (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images))
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Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself at the heart of a Real Madrid blame game following his latest setback. The former Liverpool defender has experienced a torrid beginning to life at his new club, primarily due to injury, and his displays seem to be deteriorating as a consequence.
Spanish media highlighted the 27-year-old for his role in Celta Vigo's late equaliser last Friday, despite Real ultimately winning the La Liga encounter. A more detailed report from Sport has subsequently surfaced, suggesting that Los Blancos' decision-makers are all attempting to distance themselves from the Alexander-Arnold transfer.
It has also been alleged that the message within the club is that the decision to recruit him was mandated by club president Florentino Perez, and that his arrival was "a direct decision by the board without consulting the manager".
Real's current situation at right-back has been labelled as "a serious problem" owing to Dani Carvajal's injury issues and Federico Valverde's reluctance to feature there. The report has additionally stated that the Alexander-Arnold acquisition was "exactly what Florentino likes" as he arrived from an established Premier League club on a free transfer.
His arrival has not gone to plan. Teammates Alvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen are now being described as "managerial signings" rather than "presidential ones", with the blame game seemingly in full-effect over the deal.
Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to put a difficult few months behind him with Real targeting La Liga and Champions League glory.
One positive for Alexander-Arnold is that he has been able to clock regular minutes since returning from injury in early February. He has started Real's last three matches in all competitions and will be looking to make it four this week against some familiar faces.
On Wednesday evening, Manchester City travel to the Bernabeu for the first leg of an enticing last-16 tie. The following Tuesday, the second leg takes place at Etihad Stadium.
Trent Alexander-Arnold with Dominik Szoboszlai on return to Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be back at Anfield later this year if Real Madrid and Liverpool reach the Champions League semi-finals
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The winner of that tie will face either Bayern or Atalanta in the quarter-finals. Liverpool are also on that side of the bracket and thus could face Real again after already defeating them in the league stage. Arne Slot's side must navigate a tricky tie against Galatasaray first, however.
Tottenham's trip to Atletico Madrid and Newcastle United hosting Barcelona is also scheduled for this evening, along with Bayern and Atalanta facing off in Italy.
Tomorrow's action is undoubtedly headlined by Pep Guardiola's side heading to the Spanish capital, but world champions Chelsea against holders Paris Saint-Germain is another marquee clash. Bayer Leverkusen host Arsenal in the early kick-off, with Sporting CP and Bodo/Glimt as the other last-16 tie.
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