Arne Slot admitted that people will think Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance was affected by the rumors surrounding his future in Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
The Liverpool right-back, who has been heavily linked with Real Madrid this week, had a game to forget as United frustrated the Premier League leaders with a battle at Anfield on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold, now in the final six months of his contract with his boyhood club, struggled to assert himself and was responsible for the visitors' first goal.
Reds manager Slot does not believe the speculation has had much of an impact but accepts other people will see the matter differently.
The Dutchman said: “I think nine out of 10 people will tell you it affected them.” I am (the) one of the 10 who tells you that I don't think that affected him.
“What affected him is that he had to play against Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, two starters from Portugal, great, great players.
Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled as Liverpool drew 2-2 at home to Manchester United
Arne Slot insisted he does not feel Alexander-Arnold has been affected by his uncertain future
“If these players prepare for a game, and that's what United do from time to time, then it's very difficult to play against them.
“I think it's harder for Trent to deal with that than the rumors that were going around during the week.
“But that's my opinion and probably everyone will tell you it had to do with the rumors.”
Liverpool, which regained a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand, rallied to take the lead with a Cody Gakpo goal and a Mohamed Salah penalty after Martinez put United ahead.
However, they lacked their usual control and United, showing a spirit they have been noticeably lacking of late, restored parity 10 minutes from time through Amad Diallo.
Things could have even gotten worse for Liverpool when Harry Maguire squandered a golden opportunity in stoppage time to snatch victory from United.
Slot said: “Of course we feel like we've lost two points.”
“I think for a lot of people what sticks in their mind is what happens at the end and that was a great opportunity for Maguire, of course.
Slot expressed disappointment as Liverpool dropped points in their clash against United
“But what you then tend to forget is that two minutes earlier, Virgil (van Dijk) had the same great opportunity to make it 3-2 for us.
“In the end it was a difficult game. “It's not always easy to play against that style of football, especially if they have such good quality players.”
