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Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock conceded that Trent Alexander-Arnold likely won’t receive the warmest welcome during his highly-anticipated return to Anfield.
On Tuesday, Alexander-Arnold will face off against his boyhood club for the first time since taking his talents to Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old — who said his opinions on The Reds won’t change even if he’s greeted with a cold reception — drew the ire of Liverpool faithful upon announcing back in May that he’d be leaving at the end of his contract last season.
During his first appearance following the bombshell announcement, Alexander-Arnold was greeted with a chorus of jeers while substituting into a 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
While Warnock expects there to be several boo birds at Tuesday’s match, he expressed hope that Alexander-Arnold is treated better. "I really hope he gets a good reception,” Warnock told BBC Sport.
“I think he'll want to put on a show, demonstrate why he's such a talent, why Liverpool's fans loved him so much. I think the reception will be mixed. I don't think he will be expecting a standing ovation after the way things went, and we have to respect those opinions as well.
"I don't think he deserves a mixed reception. He was an incredible servant to the club, but wanted to challenge himself. Hopefully he gets a great reception."
Speaking to Amazon Prime over the weekend, Alexander-Arnold looked back fondly on his tenure in Merseyside but acknowledged that his return would likely generate some heat. “Whatever way I’m received, is the decision of the fans,” he said.
“I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things that we achieved together… they’ll live with me forever.
“No matter what, my feeling won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime.”
Should Alexander-Arnold get the better of his former club, the West Derby native insisted that he wouldn’t celebrate. “If I was to score, then no I wouldn’t celebrate to be honest,” he said.
“It will be a big difference for me going into the away dressing room, warming up on the other side. When I made the decision to move on, it was probably destined that at some point being here I’d play against Liverpool.”
Though emotions will inevitably be at an all-time high during the contest, Alexander-Arnold stressed the importance of remaining focused on the task at hand. “I think everyone kind of knew it was going to happen,” he added. “We need to put emotions aside and play the best game we can.
“They are a top team so I knew at some point I’d end up facing them. It’s happened so soon. Mixed emotions. It will be a very difficult game, but one I am excited for. Huge game, huge stage.
“Although they haven’t had the results of late, they’re still a top footballing team, and nobody here thinks it’s going to be an easy game.”
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