Alisson Becker highlights what Liverpool need to do to rediscover winning touch
Alisson Becker asserted that Liverpool needs to start keeping clean sheets and finish the clear chances to start winning. The Reds have stumbled into a poor run of form during the critical stage of the season, compromising their ambitions.
Liverpool humiliatingly lost 0-3 to Atalanta during the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals at Anfield last week. They suffered another home loss against Crystal Palace in a must-win Premier League game after conceding an early goal again.
The Reds have struggled with poor start to their games throughout this season, putting unnecessary pressure on themselves. They managed to achieve several comeback victories during this season but lately, they have failed to do that.
The counter-pressing and high-line style of play leaves a lot of space for the counter-attack but they conceded inexcusable goals. During the pressing at a selective area, the rest of the players displayed complacency to get back to their position.
The poor organisation has cost them several goals while slow buildup from the backline makes them predictable to press. The Reds’ midfielders and attackers lost possession at the critical places due to a slow transition, leading to the opposition’s counter-attack.
Alisson told the reporters (h/t Mirror) that Liverpool needs to defend and attack as a team to start winning games. He said:
“We have to improve our performances, of course, but if I would be more precise on the things we have to do better, it is we have to go back to keeping clean sheets and try to score the chances that we have, the clear chances that we have in front of the goal. I am saying that because I trust my strikers a lot, I trust my defenders a lot and I know the quality that we have as a team. So if we do that as a team, defend as a team, attack as a team, improving these kind of things then I think we can go back to winning games.”
During the offensive phases, Liverpool have once again displayed complacency in front of goal with their poor composure and shooting. Most of the time they have chased the game after conceding which helps the opponents become more compact.
When the clear-cut chances are hard to get as opponents congest the defensive area, missing out on one is costly. Nevertheless, the attackers have continuously missed many chances including prolific Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
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Alisson makes a very valid point that Liverpool needs to stop chasing games and let opponents dictate the narrative. The Reds face Atalanta in the second leg of the Europa League, hoping to make a miraculous comeback.
