Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson says he ‘learned a lot’ during his season at Roma under Luciano Spalletti and is excited to see Arthur in action with the Reds.
The Brazilian goalkeeper returns to Italy for the opening match of the Champions League Group A between Napoli and Liverpool.
He will reunite with his ex-Roma boss Spalletti who coached the Brazilian in his first season in Europe in 2016-17. At that time, Alisson was Roma’s second-choice goalkeeper after Wojciech Szczesny.
“I enjoyed my season with Spalletti in Roma. I learned a great deal,” Alisson said at a press conference, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“All four teams in the group have the opportunity to go through so we have to show what we’re made of and hopefully we can go through as group winners.”
Spalletti said in his press conference that he would want to get the shirts of Alisson and his teammate Mohamed Salah, another former Roma star, to add to his collection.
Liverpool have travelled to the Stadio Maradona on the back of a 0-0 draw in the Liverpool derby with Everton. The Reds haven’t had the best start to the season in the Premier League with nine points in six games.
“In my opinion, we don’t need [extra motivation]. We are in a difficult group stage and that is motivation enough. We are going to fight and then take it step by step,” said Alisson.
“We are prepared for every situation. You try to learn as much as possible against the opponents, I know Spalletti but it’s not an advantage. I recognise the quality of all Napoli players. Young players with desire, passion.”
Alisson has been training with his compatriot Arthur for a few days. The ex-Barcelona midfielder joined the Reds on loan with an option to buy from Juventus on the deadline day.
“It happened so quick that I only spoke with him on the day he was coming,” the 29-year-old noted.
“After that at the training ground. He’s an amazing guy, we’re going to see more about him, he is a fantastic player. I am looking forward to him being fit and settled.”