Alisson: As players we need to be listened to regarding issue of fixture congestion

Alisson Becker is the latest figure in the game to speak out about the excessive fixture congestion of the football calendar

In his time as Reds Manager, Jurgen Klopp raised the topic when he felt it was right to highlight the plight of not just Liverpool players, but the wellbeing of Footballers in general.

The German, who recently gave up smoking and can now be found using vape pens, came up with this profound statement in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup which took place in the middle of the league season.

“When we start talking about it I really get angry. It is like with the climate. We all know we have to change but people are like ‘what do we have to do?’ I’m in that as well, no doubt about that.

“There must be one meeting where they all sit together and the only subject should be the most important part of When we start talking about it I really get angry. It is like with the climate. We all know we have to change but people are like ‘what do we have to do?’ I’m in that as well, no doubt about that.

“There must be one meeting where they all sit together and the only subject should be the most important part of this game – the players."

Two years on from that statement and we are no closer to any sort of solution to the matter. 

Leading figures from the top echelon of Premier League clubs including Virgil Van Dijk, Kevin De Bruyne and Mikel Arteta have spoken out strongly with their dissatisfaction over the situation and in the lead up to Liverpool’s opening Champions League clash with AC Milan, Alisson has had his voice to the discussion as the Mirror reported.

“We are not stupid and understand that. We understand that people want more games. For the supporters, it is amazing. More games, more bigger games, big teams against each other.

“But this is not only a question I should answer. It is a matter to sit down all together and listen to all the parts because we understand we have the media and TV, the side of UEFA and FIFA, Premier League, domestic competitions.

“The reasonable thing would be, all the people I mentioned – those who make the calendar, organising the calendar – to sit together and listen to all the parts inclusive of the players. I think so many players have spoken already about that. We just need to be listened to.

“That’s what we would like to do, to sit together and understand what is the thinking of the directions that football wants to go.”

There will be some in the community that would have little sympathy for the modern day Footballers with the wages that they earn, but the Brazilian makes a valid point that to see the players continue at their optimum level, they need to be as fresh as possible.

“Not only adding games, adding competitions, adding this and that. What we want is to give our best for the 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 sake and players’ sake.”