Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has urged Trent Alexander-Arnold to savor his return to Anfield, regardless of the reception he receives from Liverpool fans. The defender is set to face his boyhood club for the first time since his controversial summer departure.

Alexander-Arnold's exit from Liverpool at the end of his contract stirred discontent among some supporters. His decision not to renew his contract and pursue a move to Real Madrid led to boos from a section of fans during a match against Arsenal in May after his intentions became public. Real Madrid paid Liverpool £8.5 million to expedite his transfer and include him in their squad for the Club World Cup. This payment, however, did little to appease fans who were unhappy with the way he handled his exit.

Alonso, a former Liverpool player himself, understands the significance of returning to Anfield. He emphasized that Alexander-Arnold should embrace the experience and navigate it in his own way. "He has to have his own feelings and enjoy it his own way, so I am not going to say how he needs to feel," Alonso stated. "For sure his history is different from mine, he was born and bred in Liverpool, I remember him from a young age in the academy and then coming to the first team and winning the Champions League".

Despite the potential for a hostile reception, Alexander-Arnold is reportedly prepared for the challenge. Alonso apparently asked Alexander-Arnold if he was mentally ready to start at Anfield, to which Alexander-Arnold responded positively.

In related news, Alonso has voiced his confidence in Florian Wirtz, who moved to Liverpool in the summer. Wirtz has faced challenges since his £100 million transfer, but Alonso believes it is only a matter of time before he demonstrates his quality. "It is just a matter of time," Alonso said. "It is a big change for him to come to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, he's been there all his life". He further added, "He is a really special player. He has quality and personality and he's competitive...He is very special and probably one of the reasons I'm here now (at Real Madrid) so I'm very grateful to Flo. Hopefully not tomorrow, but I've no doubt he will show his quality and class".

Real Madrid faces Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday.