InterviewAlisson on Klopp's farewell, Wolves, Premier League landmark and more
Alisson Becker is expecting an emotional afternoon at Anfield against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but insists Liverpool are fully focused on giving Jürgen Klopp a 'proper farewell'.
The Reds take on Gary O'Neil's side in what will be Klopp's final game in charge ahead of his summer departure following an unforgettable nine-year spell.
The boss will bring down the curtain on a trophy-filled period in the Liverpool dugout, with goalkeeper Alisson playing a key role in the huge amount of success he has brought to the club.
"It will be a lot [of emotion] for sure," the No.1 told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I [can] tell by myself these moments are not so easy to deal with; to say goodbyes. But everybody will be on that mood [and] really emotional. I think you get emotional when you realise how good was the spirit [and] how good was the journey.
"The gaffer gave the opportunity not only for the players to be part of this successful team, but he gave [that] to the supporters as well. He made the supporters feel part of that. I think that's why everybody will be so emotional."
He added: "Everybody here at the building at AXA [Training Centre] will feel his departure and all of his staff.
"But what this man made here [and] what he creates here is a legacy. Legacies last longer than trophies... he'll be eternal. He'll be amongst the eternal managers and eternal figures and eternal people of this club."
Read on for the rest of the interview with Alisson…
On making his 200th Premier League appearance for Liverpool...
I'm really proud. I think it's a really good number to reach. It's been such a good ride here at Liverpool. I feel proud about that. Playing 200 games in the Premier League, one of the best in the world [and] having this opportunity is a huge honour for me. I'm thankful that the club gave me this opportunity.
On how tough the Premier League is...
We have here in the Premier League the most competitive league, with all the respect I have for the others. I didn't play in many leagues. I played in Italy and Brazil. They are really competitive as well in different things [and] different levels. But at the moment here is where the best players in the world are [and] also a lot of big clubs. You start the season always with a lot of teams fighting for titles, fighting for spots in the Champions League [and] Europa competitions. It's a really good level that we have here and I'm glad to be part of that.
On his reflections on the season overall for the team...
We are pleased. Of course we are not fully satisfied because we wanted to win and we fight to win the [Premier League] trophy. But we have to be honest with ourselves. I think we reach a really good level this season in terms of performances and a few times we didn't reach our proper level. I think we lack a little bit, to be honest, to be winning the trophy but reaching the Champions League is a huge success for us. I know in the world of football successful is only the one team who wins the trophy. In my perspective of life it's not only about that.
It's about achieving goals [and] growing up as human beings [and] growing up as athletes. I believe so many good things. The young players, they step up at a really good level this season when we most needed them. The leadership group, all the players who needed to step up in different roles as well, we did it. Unfortunately, we couldn't win the title, but I'm happy that we have the spot in the Champions League for the next season. It's a big boost for us for what's coming.
On trying to finish the season on a high against Wolves on Sunday...
Of course. We are focused on that. It's a different situation. I think since I'm here at the last game we always had something to fight for. Maybe [a] Champions League spot or a European competition spot or trophies. Now it's different but we play for ourselves [and] we play for the gaffer to give him a proper farewell. We play for the supporters [too]. We have so many good reasons to do that. As I said before, my perspective of life, I don't need a trophy to win to play a good match, to give my all at the game. This is the case with the other players as well. We're going to give our best to have a win and to have a happy end for everybody who is leaving.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.