Jose Mourinho addressed the rumours over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Real Madrid, with the former Liverpool star struggling to make an impact
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid receives instructions from head coach Jose Mourinho during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Trent Alexander-Arnold has yet to become a regular at Real Madrid(Image: Getty)
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Jose Mourinho expressed his sadness over Trent Alexander-Arnold's situation as he discussed claims that the full-back could be leaving Real Madrid. The ex-Liverpool star has yet to stamp his mark in Spain since his £10million move last summer.
After playing second fiddle to Dani Carvajal for portions of last season, he's played a similar role in his sophomore campaign after Mourinho signed Denzel Dumfries in the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old has endured a further demotion at the right-back spot after the Portuguese boss has opted to play midfielder Federico Valverde in the position in recent weeks. With just three league starts to his name this season, rumours of a potential return to Liverpool has been speculated as of late.
Ahead of Madrid's trip to Racing Santander on Sunday, the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss was asked about the reports of Alexander-Arnold possibly weighing up his future in the January transfer window.
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Mourinho admitted Alexander-Arnold's lack of playing time makes him "sad", but declared his selection decisions are always made with the team's best interests in mind. He said: "Would I understand if Trent wants to leave?
"I want players to feel good. When you build a squad with 2 players per position and you end up playing a third player, that makes me sad, but some things are better for the team."
He explained his reasoning behind starting Valverde at right-back in the wins against Sevilla and Barcelona, as he added: "I saw that the time had come to make a change in midfield and field Valverde, and my thinking was focused on the interest of the team, not on the players' calculations.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has started just three league games this season(Image: Getty Images)
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"And when I explained to Trent and Dumfries that the decision was not directed against either of them, but rather came to serve the team, I received a positive reaction from both of them."
Mourinho did reveal Valverde won't be starting on the weekend, but stopped short of confirming whether the former Reds star will be given the nod. The 63-year-old said: "Valverde will not start tomorrow, but one of the other players will play from the beginning.
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"And in the Barcelona match, I brought on Dumfries due to certain circumstances, while Trent played for a few minutes, and I do not think either of them will ask me to let him go."