Andoni Iraola says discussions have taken place over Alisson Becker's future at Liverpool
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and goalkeeper Alisson Becker (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and goalkeeper Alisson Becker (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
View Image
Andoni Iraola is hopeful of Alisson Becker extending his Liverpool contract - but admits the decision rests with the player himself.
Reds goalkeeper Alisson had a one-year extension in his deal triggered by the club earlier this year to keep him on Merseyside until the summer of 2027.
Italian giants Juventus were interested in the summer, however, and the prospect of the Brazil international walking away another high-profile free agent next year at Anfield is genuine as things stand.
Iraola says he has had conversations with sporting director Julian Ward over the issue but concedes that the long-serving Alisson will ultimately decide the next move himself.
Make sure you never miss the latest Liverpool FC news and opinion by makingLiverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources.
"I don’t know [if this will be Alisson's last season], that is a question you have to ask him," Iraola said. "I hope not, I hope he continues with us for more time.
"But, when you ask me about contracts and these situations, it is a matter for the players and the club.
"Yes we have continuous conversations with Julian but I cannot tell you everything. We talk between us."
Alisson was called into queston in the last two games for the Reds as they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in the Premier League last Sunday before a 3-2 reverse at Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
A slack pass to Jeremy Jacquet against Arsenal resulted in Kai Havertz tapping in the winning goal, while Alisson was also involved in a mix-up with Cody Gakpo for Fenerbahce's second in Turkey.
"I think we’ve conceded goals in the last week against Arsenal and Fenerbahce where it is difficult to blame just one player, especially the Fenerbahce goals," Iraola added.
"They were messy situations, especially the deflection off Cody Gakpo for the second goal. There have been more players involved than just Alisson.
"Even in the Arsenal goal, it’s true that we messed up in the goal-kick. I assume part of that because I am the one who is telling them to play it.
"But even after we lose the ball we have eight defenders behind the ball, so Ali is not the one more responsible for those goals.
"I agree we did [have some near misses before the Arsenal goal], but it’s not as simple as saying: ‘We shouldn’t do this’, or ‘We shouldn’t continue doing this’.
"If the situation is clear enough we should definitely play it. But if it is not clear enough it is better not to take risks.
"We try to help the players to identify when the situation is clear enough to play those kind of bounces or those kind of balls on our edge, or when the press is so aggressive that we should go more direct.
"Obviously we are going to make some mistakes in this process, yes."