Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has slammed UEFA’s new Champions League format and said tired players’ opinions do not matter to football’s organisers as the calendar becomes even more congested for this season.
Tired stars are growing frustrated at football authorities for adding more games to an already jam-packed calendar as Tuesday sees the new ‘Swiss model’ come into force, where clubs will have to play at least eight league stage matches in European competition.
And Alisson says that although it is great for fans to see more games, it is taking its toll on the players – who were not consulted about the changes. ‘For the supporters, it is amazing – more games, more bigger games,’ said the Brazil No 1 ahead of Liverpool’s clash with AC Milan.
‘For us players, it is good that you are going to play against the best in Europe. But it is always a good idea to add some games to the calendar that is not busy… I am being a little bit ironic! Sometimes, nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games.
‘So maybe our opinion does not matter. But everybody knows what we think. Everybody is tired of it. It is a matter of sitting down all together and listening to all the parties. We have the media and TV, UEFA and FIFA, Premier League, domestic competitions.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has hit out at the new Champions League format on the eve of it's opening night
The goalkeeper claimed that the opinions of 'tired' players do not matter to football's organisers (pictured UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin)
And Alisson (right) says that although it is great for fans to see more games, it is taking its toll on the players
‘We are not stupid and understand that. We understand that people want more games. But the reasonable thing would be, all the people I mentioned – those who make the calendar – to sit together and listen to all the parties inclusive of the players.’
Manchester City and Chelsea will be the English representatives in next summer’s new-look Club World Cup and those teams could, theoretically, see this season run from August 17 of this year to July 13 of 2025.
City star and Spain’s European Championship winner Rodri, a Ballon d’Or favourite, said this summer that he ‘cannot do it any more’ in terms of fixture congestion. ‘There comes a moment when it all comes together and it’s too much,’ he said.
‘You need your physical condition to play but the head is important as well. People only see the game but there’s the pre-game, preparation, travel, time away in the hotel, you’re “in” the game. Sincerely, something needs to be done.
Tuesday sees the new ‘Swiss model’ come into force, where clubs will have to play at least eight league stage matches in European competition
UEFA are also set to launch their new-look Club World Cup next Autumn, that could theoretically see this season run from August 17 of this year to July 13 of 2025
Alisson claimed that 'something needed to be done' on the current cram of fixtures
Liverpool will travel to Italy to take on AC Milan on Tuesday, before hosting Bournemouth at 3pm on Saturday
‘There is more and more (games) and it looks like it isn’t about to stop. You have to take care of the players. I am very conscious of that. I have reached a point where I can’t (do it) any more.’
Alisson was pushed on this and added: ‘I think so many players have spoken already about that. We just need to be listened to. Sit together and understand what is the thinking of the directions football wants to go. Not only adding games, competitions, adding this and that.
‘What we want is to give our best to football, if you are tired you cannot compete at a high level. I want to give my best in all the games I play but we need a solution. It does not look like we are close to a good solution for football and player sake.’