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- [00:00]
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- [01:02]
Lonzo Ball
What's up?
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Ayo Akimolere
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- [01:37]
Ayo Akimolere
Welcome to the Athletic FC Podcast with me, Ayo Akimolere. Trent Alexander Arnold is Leaving Liverpool after.
- [01:45]
James Pearce
20 years at Liverpool Football Club. I'll be leaving at the end of the season.
- [01:50]
Ayo Akimolere
So why has he decided to leave on a free transfer? And with Real Madrid the likely destination, what makes them the better option? Here with us today we have our Liverpool correspondent, James Pearce, Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana and Thomas Hill Lopez Manero as well. James, I'm coming straight to you on this one. I mean, look, we almost expected this, really. I mean, it's no surprise, really. I mean, I was holding on to those moments when it was at Anfield singing. You never walk alone with the crowd thinking maybe he might make a U turn. But Trent Alexander Arnold is leaving Liverpool. How did we get here? Come on, break it down.
- [02:34]
Lonzo Ball
Yeah, I think there's a whole Load of factors that have kind of contributed to, as you said, you know, with it today is essentially just official confirmation of what we've known for a few months. It's been the direction of travel I think certainly from January onwards. Off the back of Real Madrid's approach to try and buy him in the January window. Everything just pointed to this being the outcome in terms of how we got to this point. I think you have to factor in the upheaval behind the scenes at Liverpool in recent years. I think you go back to the summer of 2023 when he had two years left on his contract. Up to that point in his professional career, he'd never got down to his last two years. There'd been renewals in 2017, 2019, 2021, with Liverpool repeatedly kind of recognizing his development and growing importance to the team. But of course that was a summer when Julian Ward stepped down as sporting director, couldn't get a full time replacement or one they thought was good enough. So they went with Jorg Schmatke as a stopgap, an interim appointment and his job was very much just to do transfer deals. And then of course kick on three, four months after that. Jurgen Klopp decides he's going to go at the end of the season. That's kept quiet till the end of January. Then of course everything is placed on hold because you know, any player is going to want to say in any contract talk is going to want to know, well, who's the manager and what does he think of me and where does he see me in his plans. So that was kind of how we reached last summer with Trent only having, you know, a year left. And it was actually just before the end of last season that Liverpool opened talks with Richard Hughes as a new sporting director. Back end of April 2024. One of Hughes first phone calls in the job was to Alexander Arnold's camp. You know, that was how important he knew trying to keep him was. Opening offer went in before the end of April. But those talks dragged on and on during the season and ultimately that's led to where we are now.
- [04:36]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, for sure. We'll talk about the little video who played out a little later on because I'm sure this was not an easy decision for Trent, Alexander Arnold. But Mario, let's come to you. You know, how close is he now to a greener deal with Real Madrid? You know, it's so interesting. Nothing has been formally announced obviously because this is such a sensitive situation and who knows whether he is still going to real Madrid, but one of whispers you were hearing.
- [05:00]
James Pearce
Yeah, but hello everyone. Just before starting to recording this podcast, I've been talking to Real Madrid sources and also asking about Trent potentially playing the club World cup with the. With Los Blancos. They were like confirming the deal without doing. Not war by war. But yeah, yeah, speaking as he's already a Real Madrid player, so it's a matter of time and as James was saying, and we have been reporting this was the direction of the travel since a lot of time ago. Actually Madrid sources were confident about getting Trent, Alexander Arnold since November when I was speaking to them. Obviously it's a huge addition for Real Madrid.
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Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, I want to talk to you about that, Thomas. Look, yet again, probably another worst kept secret in the world of football, but who knows? I'm going to keep the jeopardy going. But how big assignment could this be for Real Madrid? As Mario just said, yeah, it's really big.
- [06:07]
Mario Cortegana
Obviously Dani Carvajal has been out for most of the season with an ACL injury. His replacement, Lucas Vasquez has struggled at times, has kind of borne the brunt of fan criticism. I think defence in general is one of those positions where Real Madrid haven't necessarily covered themselves totally in recent years. Eder Militao, probably the only one who you think has lots of his best years ahead of him, we hope, even after two ACL injuries. So yeah, it's going to be massive. I think it will give them cover in a really important position and obviously it's a star edition in many ways. Worth saying as well that Alexander Arnold is joining a club who look very different from this time last year when we kind of thought they were going to be dominating European football for years to come, having just won La Liga, the Champions League. It's very different now. Managerial uncertainty as we've spoken about, so be interesting to see how he adapts and what kind of club he's coming into.
- [06:58]
Ayo Akimolere
I'm trying to think about the club he's also leaving. James. Liverpool. What have you made of how this has all been handled, really? And I think there's been a fair few juggling acts happening. We talked about the Mo Salah contract, we've talked about the Virgil van Dijk contract. This was the third one we were hoping they'd be able to wrap up. How do you think Liverpool have handled this and Trent himself?
- [07:17]
Lonzo Ball
Yeah, I think first of all, out of the three contract situations, this was always the toughest challenge facing Richard Hughes when he started at Anfield just over a year ago. Because I think you only have to look at the kind of the public statements during the season that where Van Dijk and Salah were repeatedly very clear that their preference was to stay put. And of course, you know, at completely different stages of their career, you know, there wasn't a huge amount of noise about other clubs being in for them, aside from obviously the ongoing Saudi interest in Salah. Yet there was Trent, you know, 26, coming into his peak, you know, a massively valuable asset who we, we knew and Liverpool knew would be was being actively pursued by Real Madrid. So yeah, I think, I think it's fair to kind of ask questions about why on earth did Liverpool let it get down to the last year. I don't think it's fair to criticise Richard Hughes because I think even those close to Trent have only got good things to say about Richard Hughes and have said that he did everything he possibly could. The offers Liverpool made, Trent would have made it. Well, he certainly would have been the highest paid fullback in the Premier League. Would have been one of the highest paid fullbacks in world football. I don't from the people I've spoken to, this wasn't a financial decision. It wasn't like Liverpool didn't push the boat out enough to kind of recognize his status in the world game. And as Trent has said himself today, you know, it was ultimately that desire to, you know, step out of his comfort zone, pursue a new challenge, things that Liverpool just couldn't offer him. You know, that was ultimately what this came down to.
- [08:54]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah. And when do you think Liverpool sort of resigned to the fact that he was leaving? Because you know, from the fan perspective you're thinking there's still a little something going on in the background. Maybe, maybe not. Maybe, maybe not. What do you think Liverpool generally thought and probably Slot was thinking, I'm not going to have this kid next season. His mind's already made up.
- [09:08]
Lonzo Ball
I think certainly, certainly when there was the approach from Real Madrid that was actually arrived on December 30, it was, it then leaked out into the media on, on New Year's Eve. But it was December 30 that Real Madrid made that approach to, to sign Alexander Arnold. And I think although those close to the player adamant he didn't encourage or invite that approach. You know, of course he knew how much Real Madrid wanted him at that point and we know how football works that you don't. Unless you've had reason to believe that someone is interested in you. Not necessarily to join you then, because I don't think. I certainly believe that Alexander Arnold didn't want to leave mid season because I think he would have known that really would have damaged his legacy at the club. But certainly by that point, and as Mario said, the noises coming out of Madrid were okay, we might not get him in January, but it's just a question of, well, we'll have to sit tight and take him for free in the summer. And then in terms of, you know, officially, the talks didn't end with Liverpool until early March. That was, that's my understanding that early March was when, you know, they effectively ground to a halt. And then it was during the March international break that Alexander Arnold went and knocked on Slot's door at the Kirby training Center and basically told him that I've decided, you know, I've made my mind up that I'm going to be leaving when my contract expires. And apparently I'm told that conversation was very, you know, very civil. And Slot obviously said he was disappointed, but from a personal perspective, you know, said he understood and wished him well and made it clear that once he was fit because at the time Trent was injured, you know, that he would still have a part to play. And he said, you know, let's just finish this chapter together on a high. And of course they've done that with wrapping up the title.
- [10:53]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, fantastic. Well, next we'll discuss Trent's legacy at Liverpool.
- [10:59]
Lonzo Ball
You're listening to the Athletic FC podcast with I.O. accamolare.
- [11:04]
Advertiser
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- [13:03]
Ayo Akimolere
12 minutes to go in normal time.
- [13:09]
Advertiser
Liverpool 30 corner.
- [13:10]
Lonzo Ball
Take it quickly.
- [13:11]
Advertiser
Origi Unbelievable.
- [13:17]
Lonzo Ball
Steve R. Origi oh my word.
- [13:22]
Ayo Akimolere
I mean we talk about Trent Alexander Arnold Origi Liverpool legend as well in there. But look let's talk about this. You know his legacy at Liverpool, you know Academy graduate to two time Premier League winner. Not forgetting the 2019 Champions League win and that special quick corner taken. You know a lot has been spoken James about this year already about what leaving on a free will mean for Liverpool and I think fans have had their voice on that too. You know how do you expect this news will be received by Liverpool fans and football fans in general?
- [13:55]
Lonzo Ball
Actually I think it will divide opinions certainly amongst Liverpool fans. I mean the ones that I speak to regularly, friends, you know, I know lots of people that their attitude is good luck to him. He arrived at the age of six. He's given he's devoted 20 years of his life to his boyard club. He's made over 350 appearances, won the Champions League, two Premier Leagues, the FA cup, two League cup cups, the super cup and the Club World Cup.
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Ayo Akimolere
Relatively well decorated isn't it? It's not A bad career for 26 is it?
- [14:28]
Lonzo Ball
It's crazy. And to boot, he's broken the Premier League record for most assists ever by a defender on 64. And so I think that there is that school of thought that you know what, from what he's given this club that he's entitled to do what he wants. And if that is what is going to fulfill him as a player, then so be it. But obviously there is another camp, as you said. I think for a lot of people the fact that he's leaving for nothing, that great. Although I think it's far too simplistic. Some people have said, you know, he should have committed to a new contract with a release clause and everything else. And it's like just look at the way that Real Madrid operate. You know, if they would have made it abundantly clear that you have to run down your contract, you know, you look at people like Rudiger and Alaba and obviously Mbappe as well, that, you know, so that wasn't an option open to him. And you know, for a lot of people, obviously they think, well, why would a lad from the West Derby area, Liverpool, who have talked about potentially being Liverpool captain one day, why would he want to walk away from that? And also why walk away from a title winning team? Because previously when we've especially, you know, McManaman and Michael Owen would be the two perfect examples who have made the same journey from Liverpool to Madrid. But they could both turn around and say, well, I want to win stuff, I want to be competitive and this team I'm part of doesn't look like they're going to win anything anytime soon. Of course, you know, Trent can't say that because Liverpool have just won their 20th league title. But as he said himself in his, in his kind of goodbye video, for him, this is the perfect sign off that he. It's almost like he's achieved everything he wants to do at Liverpool. He's not leaving because he's frustrated about the lack of ambition at the club. He just wants to try something new. And I guess, you know, it's difficult, difficult to begrudge him there. I think the decision for me is.
- [16:20]
James Pearce
Personal, to change environment, to challenge myself elsewhere. It's not about wanting to find something better. It's about me and my personal journey as a player. And I feel like now is the right time for me to go and experience that.
- [16:36]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, I mean, Mario, if you are going to try something new, well, Real Madrid is not a bad place to try something new. I mean, you, James Just saying, you know, Premier League titles, Champions League. I can't help but think, although a lot of people might not see him like that in the world of football, this is the kind of old Galactico kind of player Real Madrid used to buy.
- [16:55]
James Pearce
Yeah, of course. And as James was mentioning, Real Madrid are famous for spending a lot of money in signing, but if you check the last years, they have been the masters on, on signing about signing players in the last years of their contracts. James mentioned Rudiger Alaba, of course Mbappe and there are a lot of more they are targeting these kind of players with this contract situation and of course he's seen as one of the best right back in the world. And the fact that they are landing him from such a big club like Liverpool from the Premier League, it's very important for Madrid not just in, in terms of football, of course he's a top player, but also they expect to have a big impact in their brand. Meaning again, signing a Liverpool star, a Premier League star, an England national team star. It's something massive from Real Madrid and especially if they are landing him as a free agent. By the way, Real Madrid didn't have problems on spending in January, first of all because they really needed right back. We have reported that quote from a coaching staff source saying that what I know is that we will not be able to win the Champions League without a proper right back. And second, because they wanted to respect Trent and they wanted to show respect Liverpool, meaning they wouldn't be like the bad guy in that field. Like we are getting your star for free. No, if you want, if you are open to get some money for Trent, Alexander, Arnold, then we are happy to spend some money in January. But as we reported, Liverpool rejected that option in January.
- [19:03]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, I mean, Thomas, I don't know how much respect there can be. I mean, let's be honest, we've reported it, they've been chatting for a while and they even try to snatch him in January. But you know, this is an interesting one. Mario makes a great point and I think we've had this chat before about how Real Madrid are starting to conduct their business at this moment in time. You know, these are players that would naturally go for very, very high fees if you get them a year before the end of their contract or dare I say a free. That's great business. You might have to pay the wages, but actually you're not paying that transfer fee.
- [19:34]
Mario Cortegana
Yeah. Mario wrote quite extensively on like the stages of a Real Madrid market opportunity signing. I think when there were Rumblings of this as well in. I think it was. It was January, but obviously it's rumbled on for. For a long time, I think. Yeah, particularly in defense, it's clear that's. That's what's happened with Alaba, with Rudiger. I'd say Alexander Arnold is definitely more of the caliber of Mbappe, you know, a player joining at the absolute peak of his career with his. With his best years ahead of him. I think Rudiger was 29 when. When he joined Madrid and Alexander Arnold, 26. Yeah. Again, clearly world class at this. At this moment and ready to slot in right away. And, you know, maybe it is a way of competing a bit with the. With the riches of the Premier League. I think, you know, certainly the Madrid hierarchy for years. I think it's been clear that with the Bernabeu rebuild, which I think now stands at something like 1.76 billion euros, that took its toll, the pandemic as well. And then again, yeah, kind of these clubs like Manchester City, psg, with all these riches. Well, yeah, this is a kind of way of competing with them and still, you know, still attracting the biggest players, which I think Madrid will always do because of. Because of the name, really.
- [20:41]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, that's exactly. Yeah. I mean, I don't know if there's any correlation here, James, but, you know, Real Madrid and Liverpool have got this weird history. Players that are either like, thought of to be coming to Liverpool. Martin, go Romani. Trimani. We're thinking about Bellingham and obviously now Trent. But even if I think as far back as Xabi Alonso, they took him off Liverpool as well. I mean, he must be sick of the name Real Madrid come calling. But also, what does that actually say, you know, when we talk about Xabi Alonso, even Trent, Alexander, Arnold, the caliber of players that Liverpool can actually attract in the first place that make them tantalize it for a team like Real Madrid.
- [21:13]
Lonzo Ball
Yeah, yeah. I mean, I, I think it's. It's another reminder about the global powerhouse that Madrid is. I think it's, you know, even, I think, you know, obviously supporters, you know, especially of the big clubs in England. You think, well, why would you ever want to go anywhere else? But there is a certain lure about Real Madrid that, you know, we've seen it previously. Obviously, you know, Bellingham was a slightly different example because, you know, Liverpool ultimately decided at the time that they had to rebuild their entire midfield. So, you know, I, I think there's a very good chance Bellingham would have chosen Real Madrid anyway, but they just couldn't have justified that kind of money on, on one signing when they had to buy four midfielders in that window. But yeah, I think, you know, and I think people will look at it and look at the problems of Madrid. Certainly Liverpool fans will look at it and think, you know, you look at how Real Madrid were dumped out the Champions League by Arsenal and you think, you know, the, the issues there. And obviously, you know that there seems to be a fair bit of uncertainty around the future. But Trent will know deep down that Madrid will be back when they always are. The quality is there. They'll bring in others around him as well. And of course he's got this close friendship with Bellingham that wouldn't have been a kind of real key factor in this because I think it's more to do with playing in a new country and a new culture, just testing himself and having to prove himself all over again. But certainly that settling in process should be helped by the fact that one of his best friends in football is going to be sharing a dressing room with him.
- [22:44]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, for sure. And Mario, you know, look, I'm just putting myself in the shoes of an elite footballer. I will never be one. But let me just dream for a minute if Real Madrid come calling on my door, I mean, what a lifestyle, huh? You're living in Madrid, you've got all these international players, some of the best young players around you. And also I feel like if Trent Alexander Arnold would like to see himself as the greatest or one of the greatest right backs in the world, there's no bigger pressure than one of the best teams or if not the best team in the world to try and prove yourself. What else do you think is the draw of Real Madrid for Trent Alexander Arnold?
- [23:18]
James Pearce
Yeah, it's very challenging for Trent. There were boys inside Real Madrid and when they heard Trent speaking about the Ballon d'or, they were like, he really wants to join us because it's like, what is bigger, especially for Liverpool ladies like Trent, bigger than Liverpool. Maybe just Real Madrid, maybe it's the, the single club he would really consider to join after for leaving Liverpool. And yeah, we all can feel that Real Madrid still have this appeal to, to everyone. And yeah, you have the, the new Bernabeu, the all the stars, Mbappe Vinicius, his friend Bellingham, the, the pressure. I think hearing and reading from Trent, he really wants to be challenged. As James reported, he asked a lot to be really demanding with him. He really wants to improve. He really wants to develop himself even more. And I think there is no respect in James of core and Liverpool fc there is no better place for that than Real Madrid. So let's see how he how he does from now on.
- [24:39]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah Mario, let's not forget this season hasn't been great for Real Madrid at all which now looks like they'll have to rebuild themselves in the summer.
- [24:46]
James Pearce
Yeah first of all we have to say that Ancelotti is not expected to be the the coach but at Real Madrid this type of decision are made by by the board and especially with the final green light from president Florentino Perez. But if Ancelot his plan was more to keep betting on Carvajal as a starter. So interesting to see which is the place for Trent Alexander Arnold since the beginning of the next season. But he would have been very helpful during this season because once Real Madrid lost Carvajal they have struggled a lot on building each play. When a team like we saw it against Arsenal when every team pressing high to Real Madrid. Real Madrid have had a lot of difficulties to make their place and to make football and this with Trent Alexander Arnold wouldn't happen. I guess he has a high ability also for the set pieces something that it's very pricey at Real Madrid. So let's see.
- [26:05]
Ayo Akimolere
Well next we'll look ahead. What comes next for Trent Liverpool and Real Madrid?
- [26:11]
Lonzo Ball
You're listening to the Athletic FC podcast with IO Akamwalara.
- [26:15]
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- [26:56]
Lonzo Ball
One of your assistant's assistants switch you.
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- [27:47]
Lonzo Ball
Athletic FC podcast with IO Acamolera.
- [27:53]
Ayo Akimolere
One big factor in leaving Liverpool for Trent Alexander Arnold will be breaking the bond with his hometown club and possibly moving to one of the most demanding set of supporters in world football. Something not lost on Si Hugh speaking over on the Walk on podcast when news emerged of Real Madrid stepping up their interest. The one thing is for certain is that the media in Spain will be waiting for his mistakes and there'll be fewer people willing to defend him and I think that'll be very new to him and seeing how he handles that on the pitch is going to be very interesting. Maybe at times he, he's felt he hasn't had any defense but I, I think you know, Liverpool certainly match going fans, people who watch the team regularly can see despite certain shortcomings in his game that he's a world class footballer when he performs and you accept some of the, some of the things that he can't do quite as well because of the things that he does really well. He's world classer, you know. So I don't know whether there that the nuance around him will exist in Madrid. So credit to him for backing himself to think well I can deal with that. But I do wonder whether he quite really knows what it's going to be like, you know, for him. Yeah, I mean look how much of a factor is this one James? Because I mean I don't think anyone puts more pressure on Trent Alexander, Arnold, the Liverpool fans themselves. But this is a different kettle of fish. Real Madrid, I mean we've spoken about this several times. Some of these players can be hung out in very, very various ways. Do you think that that's the kind of pressure that he's ready to take on his shoulders?
- [29:25]
Lonzo Ball
It would have been part of his decision making process. I mean whether you know, how he deals with that is going to be so interesting to see next season because I think Simon's right, it will be very different. You know, Liverpool fans have had his back in a way that I don't think that will exist at Real Madrid because you know he, a lot is going to be expected of him. And I think if he doesn't live up to, to sky high standards that are expected there on a weekly basis that people will pounce on that. And you know, and you know, the obviously the scrutiny and analysis of it and the pressure and everything else. The, you know, and yeah, I think that's going to be, that's going to be an interesting factor in this. But that is part of the deal, isn't it? When you cut your ties with your boyhood club and Liverpool fans, it's always been this talk, haven't they? Of like, you know, he can't defend, which has always been ridiculous because you look at his list of honours, the idea that you win what he's won if you can't defend is nonsensical. And I think there's always been this sense of some people being far keener to talk about what he can't do rather than the incredible things he can do. But yeah, it is. You can't get away from the fact that he won't, I suppose protected, I suppose is the right word. He won't be protected there in the same way as he probably has been at Anfield where when he has come in for stick, especially probably on the international stage and you think about all the noise around him at the Euros and it felt like Southgate had hung him out to drum a little bit by, you know, the midfield experiment that then he completely ditched and moved away from. And you know, it was almost like Liverpool was home, wasn't it? It was like we come back to Liverpool and you know, it was like, you know, the collective arm being put around you and you know, don't worry, you know, we've got your back. That now look won't exist at Madrid.
- [31:09]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, for sure. Thomas. Look, he won't be the first player from the Premier League to go to Real Madrid. I mean I used to think about Gareth Bale like as brilliant as he was there wasn't that connection with the Madrid fans in the same way? Perhaps because he did choose to speak Spanish. That's a whole different conversation. But you know, Eden Hazard looked to have a tricky time at Madrid and settling into to that culture in many respects. Do you think it might be slightly easier that at least Trent's now got an ally, like maybe Bellingham who's been there, done that and has actually allow him to ease himself in a bit better in comparison to the two I've just mentioned.
- [31:42]
Mario Cortegana
I think that will help in terms of the dressing room dynamics, but in terms of the Stadium, the Bernabeu. I mean, our colleague Guillermo Rai wrote a really nice piece this weekend about whistling at the Bernabeu. You know, what's behind it? Why are fans so demanding? You know, everyone's been whistled there. Mbappe, Ronaldo, even Di Stefano, you know, one of the greatest players in Madrid's history. So he won't be immune from that. If mistakes happen often, I think it's. It's very unfair when that happens to players. They're just singled out for either mistakes in previous games. You know, there's so many reasons and you can't really pinpoint one. I think you're right in saying with Bale, the language played a part. I do think speaking Spanish and kind of ingratiating yourself with fans, really embedding yourself in the culture goes a long way. I mean, Bellingham's spoken about his struggles with Spanish, but actually, in sort of embracing everything that Madrid is about and talking about it in interviews, I think he's really endeared himself to fans. So I'm sure, you know, Bellingham will be able to teach him a thing or two about how to. To how to win over the fan base.
- [32:42]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, for sure. And I know you've spoken to Steve McManaman, James, and I just wondered how much of a sounding board someone like that could actually be for Trent. Even Michael Owen, To a certain degree.
- [32:53]
Lonzo Ball
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I doubt because of the kind of obviously wanting to keep it under wraps until the title was won. I think that was important to Trent because he didn't want to create that kind of, you know, any more noise around his future. You wonder. Wonder whether. Natural how those conversations might take place if they hadn't already. Because, yeah, when I spoke to McManaman a few months ago, he was very much in the camp of. He said, if this deal happens, as it looks like it will do, you should be celebrating the fact that this local lad from the West Derby area, Liverpool, has been recruited by the biggest club in the world. And he was very much in the kind of the regard that after giving Liverpool so much for 20 years, he'd earned the right to decide whatever he wanted to do. And of course, you know, McManaman was an interesting situation. Cause it was, you know, the back end of the. Of the 90s when the Bosman ruling had just come in. So he got a lot of stick, McManaman, because the idea of someone leaving on a free, then people were still trying to get their heads around it. But even with that, Mamanamman, you know, explained to Me that, you know, Liverpool had tried to sell him previously, and he said, you know, people, you know, loyalty has to kind of work both ways in those situations. And certainly for him as well, it was like, well, you know, how far away is this team going to be from winning stuff? So it was a different situation in that regard. But I think what hasn't changed over all those years is the lure of Madrid, because when you speak to McManaman, he absolutely loved testing himself in a new environment, a new league, learning the language, a different culture. And of course, he proved to be one of English football's most successful exports with the trophies. He won one there.
- [34:39]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah, for sure. I mean, when you say that, it's really spot on. And I think sometimes we forget these footballers are professionals as well. Regardless of the, the local connections as well as human beings. You just want to make. Challenge yourself, try something new, maybe travel a little bit. And I, I really see that with people like McManaman, Owen, David Beckham, Gareth Bale, I mean, the list goes on. And also, let's not forget, when people come to the Premier League, they're technically traveling from whatever country they were born in or whichever leagues they were playing in to come and challenge themselves at the biggest league in the. The. In you would say, the biggest league in the world. But anyway, let's move on, Mario, because I'm just interested in, in what you think Madrid are getting, because we, we, you know, we've spoken about how he could help with their attack. You know, in a previous podcast, we also spoken about the lack of creativity left by a player like Tony Cruz. You're not just getting a defender. You've got someone that can maybe slot into that midfield and play some beautiful passes as well.
- [35:28]
James Pearce
Yeah, there was a Valdeva shows that. Speaking briefly about how they would use Trent spoke to me about how it was a bit disappointing, the performance by Trent with England during the last euros as a midfielder. But of course it's something that Trent will be adding to the team. His creativity is really useful or is expected to be really useful, both as right back or in the midfield. He has this magic right foot also for the crosses, for the corners, even for the folds. And I'm really curious about how much he could bring to Real Madrid. And I have no doubts about. Trent has this. Is that Real Madrid material. And I'm really curious to see everything he has showed at Anfield, at the Bernabeu, because Real Madrid supporters really love even defenders to have this, this magic, this quality to, to show with the Ball and of course Trent has a lot of that.
- [36:46]
Ayo Akimolere
That's the marketing campaign. Trent's magic foot. I see it already. I see it James. That then does make it quite interesting how they look to replace Trent Alexander Arnold in terms of what they're sort of losing as well. I know people have spoken about the defending releasing necessarily. I think he's a solid defender but it's that passing ability and that creativity that they might have to think about. Or perhaps they just go for a solid right back who just bombs forward and thinks about defending. Well, I don't know.
- [37:14]
Lonzo Ball
Yeah, it is interesting I think. I think what is absolutely crystal clear is you can't just go and recruit another Trent Alexander Arnold because I think his skill set from that position is pretty unique and Liverpool are losing one of their most creative forces. I think it's possibly less of a blow now I think than it would have been in the Klopp era when you know under Klopp so much of Liverpool's attacking play went through Trent. I think under slot it's a more controlled, more possession based game. We've seen more creative spark from the midfield and we've also seen Trent being asked to play as a more kind of you know, authentic right back rather than just the free reign that he'd had at times previously. So yeah, I just think that the team is just going to have to evolve. I think it will. You know it's. It's interesting because we know that Liverpool are certainly looking to recruit on the left side of defense. You know Kirk has at Bournemouth is certainly of great interest to them. Most likely that Simicas leaves and. And they strengthen at left back. I think at right back it is tricky because Conor Bradley is a sensational young talent and I think, I think that's another reason why for a lot of Liverpool fans that they'll think it's not quite as big a setback losing Trent as maybe it would have been a couple of years ago. Because even at Chelsea on Sunday in a game that meant nothing, Conor Bradley lit the place up in the second half with his cameo. The only issue with Bradley is keeping him fit because he has had a number of more minor muscle injuries than anything serious. But of course he's going from you know, being a backup who steps in at times to probably asking him to play 30, 40 times a season which he hasn't done at the highest level in his career so far. So yeah Liverpool are going to have to look at their options in the market. I know Frimpong has been mentioned as a possibility. Another possibility would be if they bring in Dean Hoisen from Bournemouth. That gives them another option in the middle that then you've got Quanza or Joe Gomez that could potentially deputize at right back. But yeah, I think the thing is this Liverpool will have been planning for this for. For quite a while because as we said earlier on, you know it's. It's not a bolt from the blue. They have known that this was the most likely outcome I think probably for most of the season.
- [39:32]
Ayo Akimolere
Yeah. Very quickly before we go Mario, we have to talk about Carlo Ancelotti and it looks like he's set to leave Real Madrid this summer. It looks like it's going to be a very busy summer in Madrid.
- [39:43]
James Pearce
Yeah, Real Madrid are coming the market to reinforce a lot of position. You have of course the right, the. The addition of Trent, Alexander, Arnold. But they are looking at the left back as well. James mentioned Kirkus regarding Liverpool. So keep an eye to Real Madrid.
- [40:03]
Ayo Akimolere
Another one. Don't do.
- [40:04]
Lonzo Ball
Stay away from it. Don't. Enough trouble.
- [40:09]
James Pearce
There are some, some names under consideration such as Benfica, Salvaro Carrera you probably know well from his days at Manchester United. There is also Carcass. There is always the option of Gironas, Miguel Gutierrez and yeah, they are also studying the market for a center back. Be careful with Dean Heisen.
- [40:35]
Ayo Akimolere
Heisen as well.
- [40:36]
Advertiser
No, no.
- [40:38]
Ayo Akimolere
What are you doing to us Mario? Don't do this.
- [40:42]
James Pearce
As we have reported and David Ornstein said there are Premier League clubs including of course Liverpool working on the deal more, more actively. Yeah, I wouldn't discard even midfielder but I have more doubts about that. Let's see also what, what could bring the. The arrival of the new coach. We expect the. The Xavier Alonso is in the pole position so let's see how much voice he has on the decision making.
- [41:17]
Ayo Akimolere
For sure you haven't even mentioned Zubi Mendy in those links as well. But I'll leave it there Mario because let's, let's. Let's let you go before James gets more annoyed. He's just still excited after Liverpool winning the Premier League. Anyway gents, thank you so much for your time. Mario, James and Thomas as well. Thanks so much for your insight. Really important to have you on and also thank you guys for listening. Head over to the Athletic for even more on this huge story. We'll be back tomorrow.
- [41:41]
Lonzo Ball
You've been listening to welcome to the Athletic FC podcast. The producers were Guy Clark, Mike Stavrou and Jay Beal.
- [41:47]
Advertiser
The executive producer was Aimee Moorhead to.
- [41:49]
Lonzo Ball
Listen to other great athletic podcasts for free. Search for the Athletic on Apple, Spotify and all the usual places. The Athletic FC Podcast is an athletic media company production.
- [42:03]
Advertiser
The Athletic FC Podcast Network.