Mourinho rules out Alexander-Arnold exit from Real Madrid despite reduced role

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold from the club, despite the player's reduced playing time in recent matches.

Mourinho explained that Alexander-Arnold remains a key part of his plans, even with fierce competition for the right-back position in the squad.

The Portuguese coach attributed the recent drop in the pecking order for Alexander-Arnold and teammate Denzel Dumfries to his tactical decision to deploy Federico Valverde at right-back.

Mourinho said: "First of all, I am saddened by this situation. I do not like my players to feel bad; I prefer them to be in a good mental state. When you build a team with two players for every position, and then end up playing a third in that spot, it is not something I enjoy."

He added: "But there are things more important than these feelings, things that serve the team's interests at a particular moment. I felt we needed to change our midfield and play Fede (Valverde) in that position. It was a decision made for the team, not based on individual considerations."

Mourinho also said he is confident neither Alexander-Arnold nor Dumfries will request to leave the club, stressing that the situation is under control.

He further revealed that Valverde will not start in the upcoming match against Racing Santander, giving Alexander-Arnold or Dumfries a chance to return to the lineup.

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The coach said: "Valverde will not start the match; instead, one of the other players will feature."