Liverpool’s Alisson Becker: A Call to Create New History
In the world of football, where history and legacy often weigh heavily on the shoulders of current players, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, has issued a rallying cry to his teammates. He believes that Arne Slot’s side possesses the “quality to achieve something special” this season and has urged them to “create their own history” at the club.
As it stands, Liverpool is sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, six points clear with a game in hand. Their form has been nothing short of spectacular, having won all their matches in the revamped Champions League and securing a spot in the semifinals of the Carabao Cup. This impressive run has naturally led to comparisons with Liverpool’s title-winning team of 2019-20. However, Alisson, who was a key figure in that successful era under Jürgen Klopp, insists that comparing the two teams is not feasible.
“I don’t think it’s too similar, [it’s] two different teams,” the Brazil international remarked. “A few players still play in the team but we have a little bit different style now, more ball possession, before it was really straightforward: a lot of transition, a lot of intensity.”
Alisson fondly recalls the achievements of the past, noting, “That team was really special, we achieved great things, it was the first Premier League title for this club in a long time. We achieved the Champions League together as well, the season before. I think there’s no comparison with both situations.”
Yet, his focus remains firmly on the present. “Just what makes me happy is to see that this group of players, we have the quality to do something special and the most important thing is the commitment that is needed to win something is there, and the passion, the desire,” he said. “We are hungry and we want to win every game in front of us and that we have in front of us and that’s all we are focused on at the moment.”
Alisson’s message is clear: “We know that in the future we’re going to remember more about the good moments now that you had together in football. Winning is not everything, of course, but it’s a big part of football so I want to remember this team as a winning team.”
He emphasizes the importance of creating a unique legacy, stating, “I believe we don’t have to compare ourselves with the teams in the past, we have to create our own history. This season, this group has to create its own history.”
Arne Slot’s Impact at Anfield
Liverpool’s unexpected title charge this season can be attributed to the influence of their new head coach, Arne Slot. Alisson was quick to commend the Dutchman for his swift implementation of ideas at Anfield.
“I think when Arne joined the club, everybody thought it would be hard work for him to replace a manager like Jürgen,” Alisson said. “He’s showing his qualities and he brings us a lot of good things.”
He continued, “I think it’s not only one key, but many things that are helping us to achieve our goals. I want to highlight the commitment of this team, of the players, to do what the manager asks, to go every day and train hard and having the desire to improve as well, to be a better team and the desire of winning big things for this club. So that will always be an important point for a team that wants to be a winner.”
Alisson’s Return from Injury
Alisson’s journey this season has not been without its challenges. The 32-year-old was sidelined for over two months due to a hamstring injury. However, he has now confirmed his full recovery and is eager to contribute to Slot’s side on the pitch.
“It’s not easy when you stay for a long time away,” he admitted. “It was not easy for me, but I worked really hard.”
He elaborated on the recovery process, “I was looking forward to coming back because when you are injured, these days you just don’t go there, put some ice on your legs and just wait until you’re fully recovered. You work so hard in the gym every day, sometimes double sessions, pretty much every day double sessions, doing treatment at home, having treatment at the club.”
Alisson expressed his excitement to rejoin the team, “So I spent a lot of time working without doing the best side of football, that is playing. So I was looking forward to coming back, even because the team was doing so well, so you get even more excited to be part of it.”
Looking Ahead
As Liverpool prepares to face West Ham United on Sunday, Alisson stresses the importance of maintaining focus and humility.
- “It’s too soon to talk about the title, of course, but it’s our goal, it’s our target,” he said. “At this point, we cannot just start to look to the points and see how it goes. We have to really focus on the next opponent that we have in front of us.”
- “That’s the mentality that we need and that is the mentality that we are having at the moment. We know how Premier League can change so quickly in two games.”
- “Two games ago, maybe everybody was saying, looking to us at the table, Chelsea coming closer, all the teams coming closer, and now two games after we are in a better position. So everything changes so quickly here because of the quality of all the teams. So we have to be really focused on ourselves.”
- “As I said before, we have so many things to improve. During the season, you have to become a champion not only in one game or only for what we did at this halfway point.”
Alisson’s words resonate with a sense of determination and a vision for the future, as Liverpool aims to carve out a new chapter in their storied history.
Originally Written by: Beth Lindop
