Trent on squad rotation, Red Star challenge and European hopes
Trent Alexander-Arnold addressed journalists at Anfield on Tuesday afternoon as he held a pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League tie with Red Star Belgrade.
The full-back tackled questions from the assembled media inside the stadium to preview the encounter as the Reds aim to get back to winning ways in the competition following defeat at Napoli last time out.
A wide-range of queries were put to Alexander-Arnold during the briefing as he discussed winning his place back in the team, Liverpool’s tournament ambitions and the current situation in Group C after two games.
Read on for a summary of our No.66’s press conference below…
On being named on the bench for Liverpool’s last two games…
It is a world-class club and there is competition for places, so it’s wrong if you think you’re going into a game and starting week in, week out. It’s only right there is rotation; to keep everyone on their toes is the best way to get the best out of people.
On his ambition of captaining Liverpool one day…
It’s something I’ve always dreamt of. An aim and a goal of mine is to become it. There is still a lot of hard work to go, so it’s about being patient, keep working hard and hopefully one day the opportunity might come.
On whether the Premier League or Champions League has greater significance for Liverpool this season…
I’d say there isn’t a stand-out one, I would say it’s both of them. We’re a good enough squad to be challenging for both. You’re not just going to rule one out and put one to the side because they’re both as important as each other. We’re aiming towards both of them. It’s hard to pick one, so both.
On Liverpool’s recent defensive record in Europe…
We want to concede as a few as possible. 13 [goals conceded] in eight [matches] is not the best, but from that we’ve still got to the Champions League final and got three points so far this campaign. We’re not in the worst possible position and we’re still getting wins. Something we can focus on is conceding less goals, but the three points is the most important thing for us.
On whether Liverpool can improve…
We know there is still a lot to give and we can still get better at a lot of things - there’s always room for improvement. It’s something we’re all excited about and something we know we need to strive towards is getting better, putting in better performances and reaching our full potential as a team.
On whether the defeat in Napoli makes the game against Red Star more important…
Potentially yes, but it’s something we’re not focused on - we’re focused on ourselves. Every game we want to go into it and get the three points. It doesn’t really matter what situation we’re in, the objective is always going to be getting the three points - and that will be the same tomorrow.
On whether Red Star’s draw with Napoli on matchday one shows their threat…
Yes, definitely. All teams in this competition are not just taking part. Red Star have shown they’re not scared of potentially bigger teams. We know they’ll come here looking to take points from us and that’s something we’ll be preparing for.
On whether he’s become more accustomed to playing in the Champions League due to his experience of last season…
Yes, obviously at first you’re nervous and new to the situation, as it would be for anyone. It takes a little bit of time to get used to it. Now, I have got a bit more used to it, but still it’s one of the biggest occasions the Champions League - and no matter who the opponent is, it’s still going to be a difficult test. It’s something we’re looking to go really far in.