Thomas Tuchel backs Arne Slot's parting shot at Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold as England boss urges outgoing Liverpool star to focus on 'defensive discipline'

Slot made parting comments on outgoing full-back Alexander-Arnold that he needs to improve his defensive abilities, as the Dutchman claimed that he wasn't always impressed with the right-back's work ethic on the training pitch. Now, England boss Thomas Tuchel has backed the Reds manager's comments as he remarked, the 26-year-old does not give 'much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort'.

Speaking to reporters, Tuchel said: "I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort. This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years … if he wants to have this impact in the English national team then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously.

"Because when we are talking, especially about qualifying football and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100% awake, can be decisive. It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home."

The former Chelsea boss added: "We built [in] a back three [in his first England games against Albania and Latvia], with Kyle [Walker] or Reece James staying from the back four and having Myles [Lewis-Skelly] moving into midfield [from left-back]. From a 4-1, it became a 3-2 in possession.

"That would not be ideal with Trent. It will not suit his strengths to be in the back three. It would suit his strengths from passing ability, passing range, but it will be too deep, and he would be in charge of recovery runs and being aggressive in the counter-pressing. That would just not suit his character. We need to find the role that suits him."

The Real Madrid-bound defender could play his final game for his boyhood club on Sunday as Liverpool take on Crystal Palace in their final match of the season at Anfield.