Alisson crosses title race divide by detailing Pep Guardiola influence on Liverpool

James Holland 23 Mar 2022 10:40 AM

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has revealed the influence of Pep Guardiola on him and Liverpool.

Guardiola’s Manchester City are engaged in a fierce title race with the Reds. It has the potential to be as thrilling as the 2018-19 season, when City edged out Liverpool by one point.

This term, Jurgen Klopp’s men have gone on a nine-match winning run in the league to catch up with the Citizens.

Guardiola’s side have been hugely impressive in 2021-22, but dropping points against Tottenham and Palace in recent weeks may cost them.

Their advantage over Liverpool has been cut to just one point, with both teams having played 29 matches.

Alisson is in great form for Liverpool – his record stands at 21 clean sheets from 38 games in all competitions.

Before linking up with Brazil for the international break, the shot-stopper conducted an interview with club media.

When asked about his ability with his feet, Alisson spoke about how Guardiola has indirectly affected his game.

Keeper talks improvement

“I think the big thing is having confidence. You get confidence from doing things, from playing,” the star said.

“You need to have a team which likes to play with the goalkeeper as well and you need to have a manager who gives you the freedom to play because you can be good [for the team].

“But if your players turn their back to you when you have the ball, you can only kick long balls and work like that. I have the skills that are needed but I worked a lot on it when I was playing for my youth team. I had a manager once who loved the [Pep] Guardiola team from Barcelona which used the goalkeeper a lot.

“So he tried to do that with his team in the U20s and it helped me a lot. Then I went to Rome and improved a little bit, but here at Liverpool is the place that I feel most comfortable because the players really want me to be an extra player on the pitch.”

Klopp is ‘like a father’ – Alisson

Alisson also revealed what it’s like to work with influential manager Klopp. “It is a really good relationship. He’s like a father to me,” Alisson added.

“When I spoke with him for the first time on a FaceTime video call, he just answered the call and started to smile, I started to smile and we could already see that we would have a connection.

“I think I have some feelings about life and how life works which are similar to him. I really like the way he works and the way he makes the team feel comfortable and at the same time puts pressure on us.

“He’s a guy who is always happy, but when you go onto the pitch it’s hard work, serious work and he’s a top manager, so all those things contribute to a good relationship. I really love to be here and working with him. I love my life here at Liverpool.”

Liverpool Pep Guardiola Alisson