Jose Mourinho responds to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid exit rumours

Jose Mourinho has dismissed speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Real Madrid after struggling to secure regular playing time at the Spanish club.

The England international has found opportunities limited following Mourinho’s decision to deploy Federico Valverde in the right-back position, pushing Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries down the pecking order.

Speaking to reporters, the Portuguese manager admitted that leaving established players out was difficult but insisted his decisions were based on the team’s needs.

“To begin with, it hurts me,” Mourinho said. “I don’t like giving bad feelings to players, I prefer them to feel good.”

According to GOAL, Mourinho also revealed that both defenders had accepted his explanations professionally. “Trent and Dumfries accepted my explanations well,” he added.

However, Alexander-Arnold could get another opportunity against Racing Santander, with Mourinho confirming that Valverde would not start. “Tomorrow, Valverde will not start. It will be one of the other two,” he stated.

The development offers the former Liverpool defender an opportunity to fight for a regular starting position.