Liverpool star Alisson Becker has hailed former Reds coach and Brazilian goalkeeping legend Claudio Taffarel ahead of Brazil's opening World Cup 2026 group game against Morocco on Saturday
Richard Garnett
20:12, 13 Jun 2026Updated 20:19, 13 Jun 2026
Alisson is expected to play at the World Cup
Alisson is expected to play at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Alisson Becker has heaped praise upon former Liverpool coach and Brazilian goalkeeping legend Claudio Taffarel ahead of the team's opening World Cup group fixture against Morocco.
The Reds' No. 1 is anticipated to feature between the sticks for Carlo Ancelotti's side on Saturday following his recovery from a thigh problem that hampered the final two months of his Premier League campaign. During an interview earlier this week, the 33-year-old acknowledged missing some of Liverpool's games toward the end of the season to achieve full fitness for the World Cup.
And at a press conference from Brazil's training headquarters in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Alisson expressed gratitude toward his mentor and the national team's goalkeeping coach, with whom he also collaborated for a spell at the AXA Training Ground from 2021 to 2025 under Jurgen Klopp.
Discussing Taffarel, who lifted the World Cup with Brazil in 1994, Alisson said: "One of the most vivid memories I have, at six years old, is the semifinal against the Netherlands [1998].
"My father played a joke when Taffarel saved the penalty. He took a cake and shoved it in his own face. I think that's why it stayed so marked.
"It's a privilege to work with Taffarel, an idol, inspiration and reference for so many Brazilians who wanted to be a goalkeeper. In childhood, it was saying, 'Taffareeel...'.
Claudio Taffarel worked with Alisson at Liverpool
Claudio Taffarel worked with Alisson at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"He sustains us in difficult moments; he has left a legacy beyond what he did as a player. Perhaps people don't see Taffarel's importance as a goalkeeper coach as much.
"I've been able to maintain a high level for so long because I have a qualified coach like him."
As ever, Brazil is regarded as among the frontrunners to claim the trophy for a record sixth time, alongside European powerhouses France, Spain, England, and Portugal.
Alisson also heaped considerable praise on current national team manager Ancelotti, crediting the Italian with transforming the entire camp's atmosphere.
"Since Ancelotti's arrival, the environment has been transformed. He carries a strong presence and gives us the tranquillity of an environment focused on work, without controversy," Alisson added.
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"He is resilient, humble, and has intelligence in choosing the right words at the right time. He is a great manager. He has a clear idea of football, which facilitates our style of play.
"These combinations favor the team. I see his joy and gratitude for being the coach of the Selecao.
"He's a multi-champion, but he shows it. You can notice it. We also notice it. He has won everything in football and is here with joy and enthusiasm. His position perhaps has more pressure than being the president of the country, in its levels."