Liverpool will lift their second Premier League trophy in 5 years but the first ever in front of a full Anfield. Which means that Sunday will be the biggest celebration seen on Merseyside in 35 years. Looming over all of this, though, is the fact that it will also be the final match for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It’s something that hasn’t been lost on anyone as various teammates - notably Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah - have commented on the reception that the Scouser has received since announcing his decision to leave Liverpool for, presumably, Real Madrid. Even Jurgen Klopp has weighed in on the matter, expressing to Sky Sports his disappointment in the chorus of boos that met TAA.
Aren Slot has seemingly tried to navigate the situation with as wide a set of considerations as possible, but there’s really no accounting for how a large group of folks will decide to express their emotions.
Still, the gaffer has decided - in his trademark bluntness - to try one more time to appeal to the Anfield crowd ahead of today’s match with remarks on this specific thing in his matchday notes.
“This means it is a day for unity and celebration. Nothing can be allowed to get in the way. Whatever might divide us can wait for another day. Whatever could distract us can be put to one side...The reason I am saying this is I am as aware as anyone of the situation around Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and I know because these feelings have been made clear that there are some of you who would prefer for him not to be involved today...Firstly, as his manager I am as disappointed as anyone that Trent is leaving. But also as his manager I have a responsibility to take care of all of my players even at moments when I am disappointed. This is an essential part of my role at all times. On top of this, I can only ever appreciate every player who has contributed to what we have achieved this season. The future can and will look after itself and we will move on as a club, just as Liverpool always has. But in the here and now, every single player who has worn a red shirt this season by being part of this team and helped us become champions can only have my appreciation.”
The entire set of notes is worth your read, but I think this is as straightforward and earnest an appeal as we can get; to understand maybe this isn’t the ideal for how the entire story of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold should end. But leaving with rancor, especially at a time that ought to be celebratory, doesn’t feel right either.
I find myself here: wanting to be able to celebrate all that he did for Liverpool fans the world over and hoping that’s enough to express just how much he meant to us. Because if I’ve learned anything it’s to make sure you let the people you care about know it at every opportunity.
Let’s lift that trophy, then, and toast to the good times.