Trent Alexander-Arnold unhappy after being substituted in the 72nd minute of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford… while manager Arne Slot says he understands his frustrations

Arne Slot says he understands Trent Alexander-Arnold’s frustrations after the Liverpool vice-captain looked dejected when substituted against Brentford.

Liverpool comfortably beat the Bees 2-0 with goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, but fans were quick to notice the somber expression on Alexander-Arnold’s face when he was substituted midway through the second half.

Slot, however, says he understands why players get angry when they don’t play the full 90 minutes. “He didn’t look that happy after he was taken off,” the Dutch coach said after his Anfield debut.

“I get it. Every player wants to play 90 minutes. I don’t think the players who were on the bench from the start were really happy with the choice I made.

“But Trent came back from the national team where he played quite a lot at the beginning of the tournament, then he didn’t. Had a couple of weeks off, came back, this is only his third game.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted he understands Trent Alexander-Arnold’s frustration

Alexander-Arnold looked dejected after his away performance in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford

Slot stressed that it was important to look after Alexander-Arnold, with a view to a long season

‘We have to take good care of him because we need him all season and not just the first two games.

“But what’s good for me is that I also have a really good back-up in Conor (Bradley). So we’ll take care of Trent. But he played a good game.”

Meanwhile, Reds midfielder Curtis Jones missed the match with a minor muscle injury and must now do everything he can to be fit for next Sunday’s match against Manchester United.

The Scouser was also tipped to make Lee Carsley’s first England squad, but concerns over his fitness have made this uncertain.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank said he will be glad when the transfer window is over and there is no more speculation over the future of star striker Ivan Toney.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank admits he will be relieved when the transfer window closes

The England striker was missing from Brentford’s squad for the second week in a row.

Asked if Toney was getting closer to a move – with Saudi Arabia a possible destination – Frank replied: ‘I don’t know. I haven’t asked Phil (Giles, transfer guru) for the last two or three days. He’s been training well, good attitude.

‘I’m always happy when the window is closed and we don’t have to talk about ifs and buts and maybes.’