‘It was nearly three weeks… it feels like we had 15 games!’: Jurgen Klopp relieved by Alisson Becker’s rapid recovery from a shoulder injury as the keeper returns for Liverpool’s gritty win over Sheffield United
- Jurgen Klopp expressed his relief with goalkeeper Alisson’s speedy recovery
- The Brazilian sustained a shoulder injury and was meant to be out for six weeks
- However, he declared himself fit to play after three matches on the sidelines
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his relief with goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s speedy recovery from injury.
The Brazilian stopper sustained a shoulder injury and initial fears were that he would need up to six weeks to recover, but he declared himself fit to return in the Reds 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.
Alisson missed three matches with second-choice Adrian stepping into the spotlight in his absence, but Klopp said having the 28-year-old back was a big boost for the Premier League champions.
Jurgen Klopp expressed relief with goalkeeper Alisson’s speedy recovery from shoulder injury
The Brazilian was set for six weeks out but declared himself fit to play after three matches
‘Adrian did really well, but getting Ali back is obviously a pretty big, big boost for all of us,’ said Klopp.
‘It was nearly three weeks he was out, and it feels like we had 15 games in between!
‘I was really happy when he gave the green light and said ‘yes, I’m ready’ because it was his decision.
‘I cannot make the decision for him whether he feels pain when he bounces on the ground or whatever. It was his decision and he said thumbs up.’
Liverpool were made to work for their three points against Chris Wilder’s side, with new signing Diogo Jota netting the winner after Roberto Firmino equalised from Sander Berge’s opener.
Klopp said Alisson’s return is a ‘big boost’ for the Reds as they defend Premier League title
The German tactician switched up the formation at Anfield, adding an extra attacker in a 4-2-3-1 set-up – after seasons of success implementing a 4-3-3 formation.
When questioned upon the switch, Klopp said: ‘It was good in moments. It was not so much about getting Diogo on the pitch because he can play in a lot of positions in our usual formation.
‘It was like, how can change, how can we start, how can we do all the things that are important in the game, how can we cause them problems?
‘They can do 12 different set-pieces and train them through the week, while we have recovery sessions.
‘We thought with a slight change we could at least give them some problems as well.’
