Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed speculation linking Trent Alexander-Arnold with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu despite the England international’s struggles for regular playing time.

Alexander-Arnold has found opportunities difficult to come by under the Portuguese tactician, who has preferred midfielder Federico Valverde in the right-back position.

The situation has raised questions about the former Liverpool defender’s long-term future, particularly with fellow right-back Denzel Dumfries also competing for a place in Mourinho’s starting line-up.

However, according to GOAL, Mourinho remains confident that neither Alexander-Arnold nor Dumfries will seek an exit from the Spanish giants despite their limited involvement.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager admitted that overlooking two recognised defenders in favour of Valverde was not an easy decision but insisted that the team’s interests must take priority.

What Mourinho Said

“To begin with, it hurts me,” Mourinho explained to the press.

“I don’t like giving bad feelings to players, I prefer them to feel good. When you build a squad with two players per position and end up playing a third, it’s not something I appreciate.

“But there are things more important than these feelings, things that matter more for the team at a given moment. I felt we needed to change our midfield and play Fede in that position. It was a decision made for the team, not based on individual players.”

Mourinho Claims Dumfries, Alexander-Arnold Accepted The Situation

Despite the disappointment of being overlooked, Mourinho revealed that both Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries had responded positively after he explained the reasoning behind his tactical decision.

“Trent and Dumfries accepted my explanations well,” he continued.

“They understood that this choice was made in the interest of the collective and was not aimed at anyone. Against Barcelona, circumstances meant that Dumfries played and Trent also had a few minutes.”

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold could be handed another opportunity to impress when Real Madrid face Racing Santander in La Liga.

Mourinho confirmed that Valverde would not start the encounter, leaving the England international and Dumfries competing for the right-back position.

“Tomorrow, Valverde will not start. It will be one of the other two,” the manager stated.

Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to take advantage of the opportunity as he looks to establish himself as a regular starter under Mourinho.

The 28-year-old’s lack of consistent playing time has fuelled speculation about a possible departure, although Mourinho’s latest comments suggest the defender remains part of his plans.