Arne Slot has explained Trent Alexander-Arnold’s reaction to being substituted in Liverpool’s win over Brentford.
Slot withdrew the England international just moments after Mohamed Salah had wrapped up Sunday’s eventual 2-0 victory over the west Londoners.
The Reds’ head coach later sought to speak with Alexander-Arnold on the bench a short while after but his vice-captain still appeared frustrated.
“I understand – every player wants to play 90 minutes,” said Slot.
“But I don’t think the players who were on the bench from the start were really happy with the choice I made.
“Trent came back from the national team where at the beginning of the tournament he played quite a lot and then he didn’t.
“He had a few weeks off [after Euro 224] and then came back.
“It’s only his third game and we have to take care of him as well because we need him for the whole season and not only the first two games.
“What a good thing for me is that I have a very good backup with Conor [Bradley] as well.
“We are taking care of Trent, but he played a good game.”