Alisson Becker has opened up on his relationship with new Liverpool manager Arne Slot – and spoken about the club’s plans to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili to replace him
Alisson Becker has staked a compelling claim to be recognised as the No.1 goalkeeper in the Premier League over the last six years – but even the very best sometimes need assurances.
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot was quick to tell the Brazilian international when he succeeded Jurgen Klopp that he will continue to be a key figure at Anfield. Alisson’s head had already been turned by a big-money approach from Saudi Arabia. The Reds have since stepped up a bid to complete a £35million deal to sign Valencia’s young Georgian shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
But after a summer of change which saw friends as well as coaching staff follow Klopp away from Merseyside, the 31-year-old is once again focused on doing what he has done with such authority since Liverpool paid Roma almost £67million to make him the world ’s most expensive keeper.
For all of the talk about how Alisson’s role will change under Slot, he suggested: “I know my main role is still keeping clean sheets and making saves.” He did just that as Liverpool opened the season with a 2-0 win at Ipswich on the opening day of the season. Now it’s Brentford at Anfield.
“My first contact (with Slot) was good,” added Alisson. “That is really important. It does not define our relationship for this year or the coming years, but it was really important to see how clear he is in his ideas and see how cool he is as a person.
“He is a really nice person, a family guy and a family man with a lot of conviction in his ideas of what he wants from the players and what he wants to achieve. His goals are for greatness and for great things for the club – the same as mine. So it was a really good conversation.
“I think it was the right choice. He is bringing new energy. The way he thinks about football is pretty similar to what we had before.”
After working so long with Klopp’s goalkeeping coaches John Achterberg and Jack Robinson, the Brazilian is now under the guidance of Slot appointee Fabian Otte. Allison is delighted to report it has been a seamless transition despite the initial shock of hearing a strange voice.
He said: “That is the hardest part. Not just because of the work but also on a personal level. I’ve been here for six years and created a lot of good relationships, mainly with the goalkeeper coaches. It’s a big change in the routine.
“Fabian is a really nice guy, really enthusiastic. He is young and brings a lot of energy – and he likes to work. That’s what I need. I am still in touch with John and Jack – and they will be friends for life. I have a great gratitude to them for the things they did for me. The way they worked, they were much more than professionals.
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“We made history, but it’s done. This is a new beginning, a new era. We are really happy with the way things are going and we hope that we can bring results and bring trophies for the club.”
Slot will be delighted to hear that Alisson will welcome any new competition if the move for Mamardashvili is completed following the 23-year-old’s impressive performances at the Euros. “I think the club needs to prepare for the future,” he added. “We are not all going to last forever and I’m getting old!
“No, for a goalkeeper I am still young. I have a lot of energy and I still have much to give for this club. But they have to prepare for the future. I knew about that (Mamardashvili) before it came out on social media and that’s a good message for me because it means the club cares about what I think.”
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