"Lot of more different things than similarities" - Alisson on differences in Arne Slot and former boss Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool teams
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has made a detailed comparison of his side's style of play under former manager Jurgen Klopp and current boss Arne Slot. The Brazilian claimed that the Premier League leaders are a completely different side from the league winners in the 2019-20 campaign.
Alisson joined Liverpool from Italian side Roma in the summer of 2018 for a reported £67 million, the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper at the time. With 120 clean sheets in 275 appearances for the Reds, he has repaid the club's investment and Klopp's belief immensely.
He's played a crucial role in steering the Merseysiders to multiple trophies. These include a Premier League title (2019-20), a Champions League trophy (2018-19), a FIFA Club World Cup (2019) and multiple domestic cups.
Alisson claimed that the managerial change must not lead to comparisons due to the vast differences between the two tacticians' approaches to the game. He said (via The Independent):
"I think it's different players, different managers, a lot of more different things than similarities. I believe we don't have to compare ourselves with the teams in the past."
"We have a few players that are playing here long enough, that experienced the highest peak of maybe the Jurgen Klopp era, if we can say that, and the lowest as well. I don't think it's too similar, (it's) two different teams. A few players still play in the team but we have a little bit (of a) different style now, more ball possession. Before it was really straightforward: a lot of transition, a lot of intensity," Alisson added.
Liverpool sit atop the Premier League standings with 42 points (13 wins, three draws, one loss), six points clear of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand.
"This group has to create its own history" - Alisson makes claim about Arne Slot's Liverpool side
Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson has asserted that Arne Slot's side must 'create' their 'own history' and not focus on futile comparisons with Jurgen Klopp's side.
The Brazilian said (via The Independent):
"This season, this group has to create its own history. With the players who came in, they brought a lot of quality, and what we are doing, what we can do, we're not going to erase the things we did in the past that were really special and be always in the history of this club."
Alisson went on to claim that the Reds are completely focused on building on their fantastic start to the season to secure the Premier League title. He added:
"I think when Arne joined the club, everybody thought it would be hard work for him to replace a manager like Jurgen. But he's showing his qualities and he brings us a lot of good things. I think it's not only one key, but many things that are helping us to achieve our goals. It’s too soon to talk about the title, of course, but it's our goal, it's our target."
Up next, Liverpool will take on West Ham United at the London Stadium in the Premier League on December 29.
