Mourinho expresses sadness over Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid struggles

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 13:41 · Archive

Trent Alexander-Arnold is third-choice right-back at Real Madrid after the arrival of Denzel Dumfries and Jose Mourinho's use of midfielder Federico Valverde in the position.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's first season at Real Madrid has not matched his expectations. The former Liverpool player joined the club in June 2025 for around £8.33m, hoping to become the first-choice right-back, but now finds himself third in the pecking order.

Denzel Dumfries arrived from Inter Milan this summer, adding to the competition. More significantly, manager Jose Mourinho has recently preferred midfielder Federico Valverde in the right-back role. Alexander-Arnold has featured in seven of Madrid's first 13 matches this season, starting only four times and registering one assist. His involvement has declined sharply in recent weeks: he did not play against Roma, Sevilla or RB Leipzig and came on for only a couple of minutes in the Clasico.

Mourinho acknowledged the situation, saying: '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.' However, he stressed his tactical decisions are made with the team's interests in mind. Despite holding a contract until 2031, Alexander-Arnold's future at the club now appears uncertain, with speculation of a potential return to Liverpool.

How it is being reported

• Third-choice? Inside Alexander-Arnold's struggles in MadridTrent Alexander-Arnold is currently third-choice right-back at Real Madrid - where does his future lie?BBC News · 1 Nov, 07:42
• Jose Mourinho 'sad' about Trent Alexander-Arnold as Real Madrid exit claims answeredJose Mourinho addressed the rumours over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future at Real Madrid, with the former Liverpool star struggling to make an impactMirror Sport · 31 Oct, 17:28

In this story: Trent Alexander-Arnold · Jose Mourinho · Real Madrid · Liverpool · Denzel Dumfries · Federico Valverde

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