Alexander-Arnold: San Siro Victory Perfect Start To Liverpool’s Champions League Return

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s vice captain, believes the Reds’ 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro was the perfect way to kick off their Champions League campaign.

After missing out on Europe’s top club competition last season, the Reds started their 2024-25 campaign with a dominant performance, overcoming an early goal from Christian Pulisic. Alexander-Arnold also played an important role, assisting Ibrahima Konate’s equaliser with a precise free kick.

Alexander-Arnold expressed his excitement to CBS Sports, saying, “With its history, this club belongs in the Champions League.” It was disappointing not to be able to participate last year, but we have returned. There is no better way to start this season than with a victory at the San Siro – a special venue, a special stadium, and an unbelievable result.”

The 25-year-old has been an important player under new manager Arne Slot, starting all five games so far this season. Alexander-Arnold praised Slot’s tactical approach, emphasising the need for full-backs to be adaptable and versatile.

“He adjusts things throughout the game based on how the opponents press us,” Alexander-Arnold explained. “There are a lot of tactical changes within games: where to go, where not to go when to stay wide, when to drop into the back line, when to go into midfield, when to be a No.8, or when Mo [Salah] rolls inside and I am a high winger.”

“He provides us with that information throughout the week, during the game, and in the days leading up to it. He paints scenarios so that we have answers for everything, so it is like, ‘OK if they press this way, this is where we will be positioned, and if they press a different way, we will position ourselves differently.’”

“There is a solution to every problem they throw at us,” he continued.

Following a successful international break with England, Alexander-Arnold is confident in his form, expressing a desire to build on a strong season start.

“I had a short break in the summer after the Euros and then got back into it, so I think it was just the excitement of working under a new manager,” he said.

“I was excited about the plans and the way he spoke about them.” So, my goal was to return as soon as possible and to be as fit as possible for the season’s first game, to hit the ground running and be one of the league’s best players. That was my goal coming into it, to lay a solid foundation for the rest of the season.”