Jude Bellingham does not believe the Liverpool fans’ booing of Trent Alexander-Arnold upon his return to Anfield with Real Madrid is a true reflection of their feelings for him.
The right-back was did not have a happy reunion with his former club on Tuesday night as Arne Slot’s men won 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League.
Thibaut Courtois made a series of excellent saves to keep the Reds out for the first hour of the game, but could not stop Alexis Mac Allister’s bullet header.
Alonso admitted afterwards that Real did not have as many attempts on goal as they thought they would, which speaks to how well Liverpool‘s defence performed on the night.
“It was really tight, tight game,” he told Amazon Prime. “The momentum, they got the lead and after we tried it was always going to be an intense game.
“Unluckily we couldn’t get anything. We have tried, for sure, we have reached the last line, but we didn’t create that many chances as expected.”
Bellingham and Alonso respond to Alexander-Arnold boos
When Alexander-Arnold came off the bench late in the second half, he received a frosty reception from the home crowd, who still harbour bitter feelings over his free transfer to Madrid in the summer.
“Obviously, it is one of those things in football,” Bellingham said. “The fans booing isn’t a reflection of how they feel about him.
“I think it is more to give their team the edge and throw him off a little bit. I am sure they’re appreciative of what he has done for the club. It is one of those things.”
On the boos Alexander-Arnold received, Alonso added: “Well, it could be expected. He was focused and wanted to be part of it. So first time. He has challenges for him – it is new experience. Step by step, but we are happy we have him.”
