Alisson Becker makes Liverpool selection admission ahead of World Cup - 'Part of the plan'
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SportFootballAlissonLiverpool's keeper Alisson Becker will be in goal for Brazil at the World Cup but had to make major compromises to make the teamAlisson Becker has admitted that he missed some Liverpool matches last season in order to be fit enough to play in this summer's World Cup for Brazil.The 33-year-old joined the Reds from AS Roma in July 2018 for £66.8m and has gone on to win every major trophy on offer to him at Liverpool, making 333 appearances to date and firmly establishing himself as a club legend.But he has not been without his injury problems and last season missed a string of matches thanks to a thigh injury that saw back-up goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freedie Woodman deputise for him.Alisson only played one match for Liverpool in the last two months of the season - the final Premier League game of the campaign at home to Brentford, but it now appears that a period of his absence was a strategic move to ensure inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil sqaud for the World Cup in Mexico, USA and Canada.Speaking to Portuguese-speaking website Estadao (as per a report by Sportwitness), Alisson admitted: "I’m 100%. Missing games for Liverpool was part of the plan to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.”The Reds' No.1 has been subject to transfer interest from Juventus, who are reported to have offered him a three-year contract.But the hope amongst Liverpool fans is that the Brazilian will stay for another season at least, honouring his contract that currently runs until 2027.Mamardashvili agreed to move to Anfield two years ago but spent another season with Valencia before finally making his Liverpool bow last season.
The Georgian, who was given plenty of opportunity to play thanks to Alisson's injuries, had something of a mixed start at his new club but has not yet convinced supporters that he is the man to take over the No.1 spot.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageBut with the Reds struggling to secure Champions League qualification in the final weeks of the Premier League season, Alisson's decision to strategically miss some matches is likely to raise eyebrows.
However, he is fully aware that he has faced criticism around his fitness issues previously and is not ducking the issue.“I am my biggest critic,” he said. No one knows me better than I do.“Everyone knows I spent a period out before the World Cup, but also very much because of arriving at the World Cup 100%."For now, though, the double Premier League winner is focused on achieving the ultimate glory with his national team at the World Cup, something that has eluded him so far in his career.Brazil have won a record five World Cups, but their last one came 24 years ago, when Ronaldo scored a brace against Germany in Yokohama, Japan.The Samba Boys start their World Cup campaign on Saturday evening against Morocco in Group C (kick-off 11pm BST).Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAlisson