This is a season of change for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is having to work without Jurgen Klopp and the two goalkeeping coaches he considers friends for life.
Thankfully for new boss Arne Slot, the 31-year-old rejected the possibility of greater upheaval following an approach from Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr in the lucrative Saudi Arabian league.
Instead, the Brazilian is committed to helping bring a new era of ‘greatness’ to Anfield. After starting the Slot era with a win and clean sheet at Ipswich, their first home game comes against Brentford on Sunday.
‘Yes, there was interest (from Saudi),’ confirms Alisson as he chats in a lounge at Liverpool’s Kirkby HQ, overlooking a row of pristine training pitches.
‘When you hear about the numbers other players are getting for playing in Saudi, you are a little bit attracted, that is normal, but it never got to the point where I was talking about wages.
Alisson has insisted he plays football for love and does not intend to leave Liverpool
He admits the money on offer from Saudi Arabia is 'attractive' but is 'really happy' staying put
‘I have a contract with Liverpool and I want to finish it, or make a new one. I’m really happy. While I have my contract, I will be focused here at Liverpool.
‘If it’s in the interest of the club to negotiate me with another club, then it will be a different conversation. I’m open (to Saudi Arabia), but not at present.’
Alisson is one of only nine Brazilians to have made 200 Premier League appearances (only six have started 200) and his contract at Anfield runs until 2027. One of the best keepers in the world, he won the Champions League at the end of his first season in England and lifted the Premier League in the second.
His reputation was further enhanced with a late headed winner against West Brom that Klopp called the most memorable goal during his time as Liverpool manager. However, that time is over at the German’s own behest, with Slot now in charge.
Though acknowledging tweaks between the two managers, Alisson doesn’t consider the switch in leadership revolutionary.
Reflecting on his first meeting with Slot, he says: ‘It was important. I saw how cool he was and how clear his ideas were. I think he’s the right choice. The style he brings is similar to what we had before. It was clever of the club to appoint someone not the opposite (of Klopp).
‘People make football too complicated. We have top-quality players and if you make it simple for them and bring good ideas, it’s the best way. Our training sessions are just a bit longer now because he’s implementing new things.’
Alisson has already seen that his distribution skills will be utilised. ‘Slot’s way of playing is the way I like to play: building up from the back. Everyone wants the ball so I have a lot of options in front of me.
Alisson believes Arne Slot is the 'right choice' to succeed Jurgen Klopp because of his playing style
Alisson had a strong relationship with Klopp but has been impressed with Slot so far
‘It’s not the manager saying, “Just play short passes”. He’s open to everything and understands that sometimes you are going to use long balls. We have quick players up front. If we can create spaces from goal-kicks or deep positions, that’s also good for us.’
Klopp signed Alisson in 2018 as the final piece in his jigsaw and the German was the only manager he had in England until last weekend. But the change in goalkeeping coaches, with Fabian Otte replacing John Achterberg and Jack Robinson, has probably had an even bigger impact on his daily routine.
‘That’s the hardest part. Not just because of the work but also because of the personal. I’ve been here six years and made a lot of good relationships,’ the South American says.
‘I’m still in touch with John and Jack and they will be friends for life. I have great gratitude to them for the things they did. They were much more than professionals. Otte is a nice guy and enthusiastic. He’s young and brings a lot of energy and likes to work. That’s what I needed.
‘The staff left a legacy in all our lives. We made history but that’s done. This is a new beginning. The players are happy with the way things are going and we hope to bring results and trophies.’
Alisson was affected by tragedy in 2021 when his father, Jose, drowned in Brazil. He therefore has a changed perspective on his career and talks pragmatically about Liverpool’s pursuit of keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia and Georgia.
Alisson revealed Liverpool have kept up updated of their interest in Giorgi Mamardashvili
Valencia goalkeeper Mamardashvili is unlikely to arrive until next year if Liverpool seal a move
Indeed, he appreciates that Liverpool have kept him informed of their interest, which he takes as a sign of respect. ‘The club needs to prepare for the future. We’re not going to last for ever. I have a lot of energy and still have much to give but Liverpool have to prepare for seasons ahead.
‘I knew about it (the interest in Mamardashvili) before it came out and that’s a good message for me because the club cares about what I think.’
Mamardashvili is unlikely to arrive in England until next year.
‘On my side, as long as I have my contract here and we are both happy, and my family, I will stay,’ Alisson adds. ‘I never thought about leaving (this summer) and I’m excited about what this season brings for us.’