Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is facing backlash from some supporters after the Brazil international admitted to missing club games 'to prepare me for the World Cup'
19:26, 12 Jun 2026Updated 19:26, 12 Jun 2026
Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson gives a press conference during the 2026 World Cup football tournament at The Ridge hotel in Basking Ridge, New Jersey on June 11, 2026. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)
Alisson Becker has admitted he missed games at Liverpool to prepare him for the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Alisson Becker is facing backlash from Liverpool fans after admitting he missed games for the Reds ‘to prepare for the World Cup.’
The goalkeeper was absent for nine of Liverpool’s final 10 games of the 2025/26 season, including both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, having sustained a hamstring injury during training.
Although he had been expected to return in time for the final month of the season, Alisson didn’t make his comeback until the last game of the season against Brentford. Despite his injury issues, he was named in Brazil’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Alisson has had a host of injury problems over recent years, having failed to play more than 35 games in any of his last three seasons at Liverpool. Speaking ahead of Brazil’s opening game against Morocco on Saturday though, the 33-year-old admitted he sat out some of the Reds’ games this season with the World Cup in mind.
Asked about the criticism over his fitness issues, Alisson told Brazilian outlet Estedao: “There are still questions, but that doesn’t bother me.
“I’m aware that I’m on the right track. Sometimes, on the field, things don’t happen as we would like. Perhaps, if we had won more, the perception would be different.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Alisson Becker of Liverpool prepares to walk out at the start of the second half during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alisson Becker missed nine of Liverpool's last 10 games of the season(Image: Getty Images)
“What bothers me most is not having won. There’s always that feeling that I could have done something differently. I’m 100 percent and being out of games at Liverpool was to prepare me for the World Cup.”
His comments have not gone down well with Liverpool fans, many of whom are not happy that Alisson may have sat out games when the club was still fighting for Champions League qualification.
The Reds only secured a top-five finish in the Premier League after drawing their final game against Brentford, having only taken two points from their last four games of the campaign.
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“Who was paying his wages while we were battling for Champions League football?” one fan wrote on social media.
“Not like we were fighting for our lives to get Champions League or anything lad,” another wrote.
“Love Alisson but I really don't like this,” another supporter commented.
Liverpool.com says: It’s important to remember that the article Alisson’s comments come from will have been translated from Portuguese, so the meaning of what he said may come across differently in his native tongue.
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However, it’s not a great look after the season Liverpool has just had. Then again, the Reds should have absolutely sewn up Champions League qualification a lot more easily, even without Alisson.