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Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has voiced frustration over the increasing demands placed on players due to congested fixture schedules, claiming players’ concerns are being ignored. Liverpool is set to face AC Milan in the Champions League, which now features an expanded eight-game league phase and a potential play-off before the last 16.
Liverpool, who played 58 matches last season, could play as many as 65 games this campaign if they reach the finals of all competitions. Alisson, 31, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “Sometimes nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games. Maybe our opinion doesn’t matter, but everybody knows what we think about having more games. Everybody’s tired of that.”
This issue has also been echoed by other players, such as Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, who recently joked he might retire at 30 due to the relentless schedule. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also consistently criticized the burden fixture congestion places on players.
“We understand we have the side of the media, TV, Uefa, Fifa, the Premier League, and other domestic competitions,” Alisson said, emphasizing the need for better communication. “But the reasonable thing would be for all these sides to sit together and listen to all the parts, including the players.”
Alisson, who played 42 matches for Liverpool and Brazil last season despite being sidelined with injury for two months, stressed that players must be able to perform at their best. “If you are tired, you cannot compete at a high level,” he said, adding that a solution seems distant.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the need to assess the new Champions League format but also expressed concerns about the toll on players. “How is it going to be with two extra games for the players? That’s something we have to find out, but I don’t think anyone has the answer at the moment,” Slot said.
