Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that Trent Alexander-Arnold's lack of playing time makes him 'sad'.
The Special One made a frank statement on the England star's future in Spain amid reports of a move back to the Premier League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold arrives at Real Madrid game3
The ex-Liverpool defender has been left as an unused substitute on six occasions under Mourinho this season so far
Trent has endured a torrid time at Los Blancos since he left boyhood club, Liverpool, for a nominal fee at the end of his contract in 2025.
A mixture of injury issues and the form of Dani Carvajal meant the 28-year-old made just 14 LaLiga starts in his first campaign in Spain.
Mourinho's arrival this summer further dampened his prospects, with the Portuguese immediately signing Denzel Dumfries at right-back.
The pair have now both found themselves languishing on the Madrid bench in recent weeks, with Federico Valverde preferred in defence.
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Trent has started just three LaLiga games under Mourinho this term, and played just a minute in the El Clasico triumph over Barcelona.
His lack of game time has sparked rumours that Madrid's No.12 could look to leave the club, with a return to England the most natural fit.
However, Mourinho has poured cold water on the prospect of the 36-cap Three Lions star requesting a move away from Spain's capital.
Mourinho dismisses Trent transfer exit
"To begin with, it hurts me," Mourinho explained in his most recent pre-match press conference when asked about Trent's situation.
"I don't like giving bad feelings to players; I prefer them to feel good. When you build a squad with two players per position and end up playing a third, it's not something I appreciate.
"But there are things more important than these feelings, things that matter more for the team at a given moment.
Trent Alexander-Arnold playing for Real Madrid3
Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to stay and fight for his position at Real Madrid despite struggling for regular starts
"I felt we needed to change our midfield and play Fede in that position," Mourinho continued on his preferred right-back.
"It was a decision made for the team, not based on individual players."
"Trent and Dumfries accepted my explanations well," Mourinho continued.
"They understood that this choice was made in the interest of the collective and was not aimed at anyone.
"Against Barcelona, circumstances meant that Dumfries played and Trent also had a few minutes."
“And I don’t think either of them is going to ask to leave.
Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks with Jose Mourinho3
The dream move to Real Madrid hasn't quite worked out for Alexander-Arnold
“The demands of the season, with so many games and these ‘gifts,’ accumulated yellow cards, fatigue, the occasional injury… ultimately, everyone will play.
“I don’t think we’ll have that kind of situation.”
Mourinho also offered Trent a potential lifeline by revealing that Valverde will be rested for Madrid's clash with Racing Santander.
The former Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United boss insisted that one of Trent or Dumfries will step up on Sunday instead.