Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has admitted that missing some matches last season was a deliberate strategy to be fully fit for this summer's World Cup with Brazil.
Strategic Absence
The 33-year-old joined Liverpool from AS Roma in July 2018 for £66.8 million and has since become a club legend, winning every major trophy and making 333 appearances. However, injury problems have plagued him, and last season he missed several games due to a thigh injury, with back-ups Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman stepping in.
Alisson played only one match in the final two months of the season—the last Premier League game against Brentford. It now emerges that part of his absence was planned to ensure his place in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the World Cup in Mexico, USA, and Canada.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Estadao (via Sportwitness), Alisson stated: "I'm 100%. Missing games for Liverpool was part of the plan to make sure I was ready for the World Cup."
Transfer Interest and Fan Concerns
The Brazilian has attracted transfer interest from Juventus, who reportedly offered him a three-year contract. However, Liverpool fans hope he will stay at least another season, honouring his contract until 2027.
Mamardashvili, who joined Liverpool two years ago but spent a season on loan at Valencia, had a mixed debut season. He has yet to fully convince supporters he can replace Alisson as the number one.
Criticism and World Cup Ambitions
With Liverpool struggling to secure Champions League qualification, Alisson's decision to miss matches may raise eyebrows. He acknowledged the criticism, saying: "I am my biggest critic. No one will criticise me more than I do. But my criticism is based on day-to-day facts, technical and psychological reading. No one knows me better than I do."
Alisson is now focused on winning the World Cup with Brazil, a feat that has eluded him. Brazil, record five-time winners, last won in 2002. They begin their campaign against Morocco on Saturday evening (11pm BST).
