Trent Alexander-Arnold could face an awkward reunion with Jose Mourinho if the Portuguese coach is appointed as Real Madrid's new manager, given their reported past disagreements
Daniel Orme Trends Writer
09:26, 29 Apr 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be working with a new head coach this summer
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be working with a new head coach this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold may find himself in an uncomfortable position should Jose Mourinho be handed the reins at Real Madrid.
The Portuguese manager, formerly of Chelsea and Manchester United, has recently been linked with a remarkable comeback to the Bernabeu. As reported by The Athletic, Mourinho is Florentino Perez's top pick to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa, with the 63-year-old emerging as a strong favorite for the role, despite some reservations among club officials regarding his potential appointment.
The news may not be entirely welcome to former Liverpool man Alexander-Arnold either. The England international previously took a pointed swipe at Mourinho on social media following Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Chelsea in 2020.
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Reflecting on a post-match exchange with Jurgen Klopp, Mourinho remarked: "I told him the best team lost. He disagreed, but that's his opinion."
Alexander-Arnold's response was swift, posting an image of Liverpool's post-match celebrations on social media with the pointed caption: "Best team won."
Notwithstanding that spat, Mourinho has consistently spoken highly of the former Liverpool ace. Back in 2019, he remarked: "The two full-backs also have to be Liverpool players, amazing players, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Amazing character and personality.
Jose Mourinho is a candidate to be the next Real Madrid manager
Jose Mourinho is a candidate to be the next Real Madrid manager(Image: Getty Images)
"Alexander-Arnold is a local boy, Robertson is a Scottish boy that a few years ago was relegated with Hull City."
He continued: "And both they are physical, they are aggressive, they are what I call in football 'the good arrogance,' they are not afraid to play, they go forward, they participate in attack."
Alexander-Arnold has endured a challenging first campaign at Madrid following his transfer from Liverpool.
The defender has featured in just 26 matches across all competitions, with only 19 of those as a starter.
Current manager Arbeloa commented on his limited game time: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is showing a great level. His performance is beyond doubt.
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"Right now he deserves to play, and when he hasn't played, Carvajal has done well. I'm not a coach to gift a minute to anyone."
Alexander-Arnold put pen to paper on a deal with Real Madrid running until 2031.
He'll be hoping to secure additional playing time during the final weeks of the campaign, with Espanyol up next this weekend before the upcoming El Clasico clash next Sunday.