Ahead of Liverpool’s first match in the re-emergence of the Champions League, Alisson Becker, their goalkeeper, has voiced his objections towards the expanded format of the tournament. He decried the absence of consultation with players about adding two additional group phase games, believing player’s perspectives may not hold any weight.
Liverpool will kick off their attempt to win a seventh European Cup against AC Milan at San Siro come Tuesday night. Despite expressing his enthusiasm to compete in the world’s top club championship, following a season in the Europa League, Alisson also highlighted potential issues for the sport’s future if player concerns about the schedule are not addressed by leaders/administrators.
The first Champions League season to be held under the “Swiss system” will be 2024-25, which dictates that each team will compete in eight games during a group phase that ends in late January. Alisson commented that while such a scheduling might be thrilling for fans with more big matches and prominent teams clashing, the players might not share the same sentiment. In a slightly ironic tone, he mentioned that players were never asked their opinion about introducing more games, indicating perhaps their opinions were inconsequential. However, he added, it’s no secret that players would prefer fewer games due to fatigue.
In his prior seasons, Becker, who was side-lined for significant parts of the last season due to injury, has engaged in upwards of 60 matches, accounting for international duties and preseason tours. When inquired about a more reasonable number of games, Alisson didn’t provide a specific number but asserted the competition authorities owe a duty of care to the tournament’s main attractions – the players.
We comprehend that there is a media perspective, specifically television. Along with organisations like Uefa, Fifa, the Premier League and other domestic competitions, we’re aware that the audience is asking for more games. However, it would be sensible for all those involved in organising the schedule to come together and consider every party, including the players. Our primary need is to be heard, and to comprehend the rationale behind the future plans for football. This extends beyond merely adding more games and competitions.
Ultimately, we desire to perform to the best of our abilities. Fatigue, however, prohibits us from competing at an intense level. All I want is to give my all in every match I participate in. But we require a solution, and unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that we’re near to finding a suitable resolution for both football and the players.
On the other hand, Arne Slot opted to reserve his views on the changes in competition until he had experienced their practical implications. After all, as Liverpool’s coach, he has more urgent matters to handle. The match in Milan is scheduled just three days post the crushing 1-0 home match loss to Nottingham Forest over the weekend, a match from which the Dutchman is bent on deriving meaningful lessons.
Slot stated, “If you’re not disheartened at losing a home game against Nottingham Forest, something is off.” He added that while certain aspects went well, he anticipates a very different game against Milan. Slot also disagreed with the notion that the absence of rotation was not the cause of Saturday’s loss. He reaffirmed that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but too many players didn’t perform at their usual standard, including both starters and substitutes. And he dismissed it as being unrelated to rotation.
Slot is expected to keep alterations to a bare minimum. Federico Chiesa is projected to get his first competitive match time in a Liverpool jersey on his first return to Italy following his summer switch from Juventus. But Slot cautioned that the winger is not prepared to play a full game yet.