Trent Alexander-Arnold has admitted that when Jurgen Klopp drew him aside to advise him on his new role as Liverpool vice-captain, he believed he was in trouble.
The Reds academy graduate was named as Virgil van Dijk’s deputy on Monday evening, just days after former captain Jordan Henderson left the club for a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
Trent Alexander-Arnold discloses Liverpool anxieties moments before confidential Jurgen Klopp meeting. Trent Alexander-Arnold was confirmed as Liverpool’s new vice-captain on Monday – but he initially thought Jurgen Klopp had approached him for a very different reason reason
Liverpool’s social media crew captured the poignant moment Alexander-Arnold learnt his new job during an open training session in Singapore. But the Reds’ right-back initially mistook Klopp’s visit for something else different.
Speaking at a press conference in Singapore, Alexander-Arnold admitted: “At first I thought he was going to tell me to stop giving the ball away! It was a lovely surprise, to be honest, it was not one I was expecting in that moment.
“I thought we would have a conversation around that sort of thing at some point but not in that moment. So it was special, it is a moment I’ll remember.”
Despite his surprise at the announcement, Alexander-Arnold insists that he is ready to take on such a role after established himself as one of Liverpool’s most prominent players since breaking into the senior ranks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold discloses Liverpool anxieties moments before confidential Jurgen Klopp meeting
“Of course I feel ready, I feel like I’ve been a leader without being put in this position, and I lead by example with the things I do on a daily basis in training and in and around the lads,” he continued. And I believe the lads regard me as a leader, which I’m glad the manager and staff do as well.
“That’s my mindset: I want to lead by example, and I want to ensure that I accept responsibility for what I do as well as how the team performs.” It’s an incredible situation to be in, but I have greater responsibility to ensure that we succeed and reach our goals this season.”
Alexander-Arnold has made over 270 appearances since becoming a first-team regular. And Van Dijk believes that the increased responsibility that comes with Alexander-Arnold’s new job will push his game to new heights.
“I think he’s in a phase now where he has to make that transition of becoming a big leader for the football club,” Van Dijk said of Alexander-Arnold, according to Liverpool’s official website. I believe he will take those actions. And, certainly, with the assistance of myself and the others, Robbo, Ali, Mo, and, of course, the manager, he may take the next step.
“I believe that giving him that responsibility would definitely benefit him as well.” As a result, it’s an excellent decision. Obviously, the others are also important, and we must all ensure that we accept responsibility.”
