The full-back confirmed earlier this week that he will leave Anfield upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season and the coach is saddened by his exit, although is confident that the Reds will be able to cope without him.

Slot told reporters: "Like everybody who likes Liverpool and who is a fan of Liverpool we are disappointed for him leaving because not only a good human being is leaving but a very good full-back is leaving us as well.

"I also worked at clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord where every season good players left, so I am a bit more used to it. The experience I have and this club as well, is if a good very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up and that is what probably will happen again."

Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid but Slot refused to engage in conversation about the rumours that the Spanish giants are planning to hold talks with Liverpool to negotiate an early release from the England international's contract so he can play for Los Blancos at this summer's Club World Cup.

The Dutch manager said: "Do you know where Trent is going? He hasn't said anything about it himself. The only thing he has said that he will leave the club, so it is impossible to comment on where he is going and if that is a club that will play in the Club World Cup. You see by my smile, we both know where he is going to but it hasn't been said yet."

Slot hopes that the disappointment surrounding Alexander-Arnold's exit doesn't have a negative impact on the rest of his players.

He said: "I think we are all disappointed, but I think Trent was the first one to say he doesn't want us as a club and as a team to be too distracted by this announcement. I'm hoping all of the energy goes to the players."