Alexander-Arnold relishes Mourinho reunion at Real Madrid after World Cup squad snub

Trent Alexander-Arnold has expressed his enthusiasm for working under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, describing the experience as “a pleasure” and backing the reappointed manager to deliver trophies in the 2026-27 season.

Mourinho returned to the Spanish capital in June for a second spell after a difficult previous campaign in which Madrid finished as La Liga runners-up behind Barcelona and were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich. Alexander-Arnold, who made the move from Liverpool last year, has spoken warmly of the environment the 63-year-old has created at the club.

“It’s intense. The principles and the level of demand are very high, so I’m looking forward to seeing how, the more we get to know each other, the more we learn and the more he can teach us,” the 27-year-old said. “And we’re all willing and eager to learn and improve.”

Alexander-Arnold’s debut season in Spain was disrupted by injuries that prevented him from holding down a regular starting berth. The retirement of long-serving right-back Dani Carvajal in May, however, has cleared a path for the former Liverpool defender to establish himself as Madrid’s first choice in that position.

“I’ve been out of action for a long time, so it’s good to finally be back and to lay a solid foundation for a successful season,” he added.

The timing of his renewed focus carries an extra edge. England manager Thomas Tuchel left Alexander-Arnold out of his World Cup squad entirely, selecting Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento ahead of him. When Livramento withdrew through injury, Tuchel turned to Trevoh Chalobah rather than recalling Alexander-Arnold — a decision that will have stung the player.

Real Madrid open their 2026-27 La Liga campaign against Espanyol on 22 August.