Mansion Sports – In recent days, much of the spotlight has been on the reaction of Liverpool supporters toward Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield during last weekend’s UEFA Champions League clash, which ended in a 1–0 victory for Real Madrid.

 The 27-year-old right-back joined Los Blancos earlier this summer for a relatively modest transfer fee after deciding not to renew his contract with the Premier League champions.

Carragher Believes Fans’ Reaction Was Understandable

Following the hostile reception Alexander-Arnold received upon his return to Anfield, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher came to the defense of the club’s supporters during an interview with CBS, as reported by Diario AS.

Carragher explained, “The fans have every right to react however they wish. The reason is quite clear — Trent was seen as a ‘fan on the pitch’ for nearly 20 years as a Red. Liverpool supporters inside that stadium would never willingly choose to play for Real Madrid. Of course, it’s his career, and he only gets one chance at it. He’s still young and has already achieved incredible success.”

He continued, “But if everything he said while playing for Liverpool was genuine — that this club was the only one for him, that he wanted to be its captain and a lifelong legend — then he shouldn’t have left right after winning the league title, especially when there were still more trophies to fight for. Instead, he joined the very club that had beaten Liverpool twice in Champions League finals, a direct rival for major honors. I completely understand why the fans reacted the way they did.”

Carragher also highlighted the emotional element behind the supporters’ frustration. “Most of the anger comes from the feeling that Trent somewhat misled them during his final year at the club. He didn’t give any interviews or clarity about his future. 

During that time, there were constant discussions about Salah and Van Dijk publicly expressing their desire to stay. 

Trent, on the other hand, remained silent — and that’s where much of the frustration stems from,” Carragher concluded.

A Challenging Start for Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold’s start to life in Madrid has not been smooth. The England international spent six weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury in September. 

Although he has since returned to the matchday squad, he has yet to start in any of Real Madrid’s last three matches, despite being listed among the substitutes each time.

The former Liverpool full-back is now hoping to reclaim a place in the starting lineup when Los Blancos travel to Elche following the upcoming international break.