Premier League

Arnie Slot brushes off reports of Alisson leaving Liverpool, says he’s focused on returning for run-in

Liverpool keeper Alisson is currently recovering from a hamstring injury hoping to be back for the final stretch of the season and 100% for the World Cup.

Liverpool keeper Alisson is currently recovering from a hamstring injury hoping to be back for the final stretch of the season and 100% for the World Cup.
ADAM VAUGHAN

There is plenty on the plate of Liverpool manager Arne Slot as he and the Reds head into the final month of the season. The long term future of his star goalkeeper is apparently not too high on this list of priorities.

Juve courting Alisson

Liverpool are in the midst of a chase for a Champions League spot, and are having to do it without their No. 1 in the net. Alisson has been sidelined for the last month with a hamstring injury, but is looking to make a return to the pitch before the end of the campaign amid rumors of a potential exit from Anfield in the summer.

“I am only focused on the short-term future and that is getting him back into goal as soon as possible,” said Slot who told reporters than his keeper is “close” to a return, but did not specify a specific time table.

The Brazilian’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season but the club opted to extend the deal for an extra 12 months. Despite the extension, there are still plenty of clubs rumored to be interested in Alisson’s services. Juventus are apparently the most keen to sign the former Champions League winner, but in a World Cup summer there will loads of other clubs cueing to lure the shot stopper.

Slot not only responded to the rumors of his keeper, but also about speculation surrounding his future. “All these rumours that are out there about him and about probably me and about others, we don’t react to,” said Slot. “We only react when facts need to be told and that is not the situation at the moment.”

Mamardashvili injured too

Speculation has grown concerning the future of Slot at the club after a sub par second season at Anfield. He has been in the crosshairs for much of the campaign after the revamping of the roster last summer has not got according to plan. Now with club legend, Xabi Alonso, floating freely this summer the rumors of a potential reunion only grow stronger.

With five matches to go, Liverpool are sitting fifth in the table which would be enough to get them into the Champions League next season, but getting Alisson back is getting ever more urgent after back up keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was injured in the Merseyside derby last weekend. The Reds have a five point lead over Brighton in sixth place, and have a game in hand which they will play this weekend at Anfield against Crystal Palace.

With the Champions League looking more and more secure by the week, Slot’s status for next year could be solidifying. At the moment he is not worried about his or his keepers whereabouts next season. He is only worried about getting Alisson back for some key matches to finish off the season. “The main focus for Ali is very clear, that is getting back in goal as soon as possible for the club he loves to play for and then he wants to be in goal for the country he loves to play for, that is Brazil.”

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