SBOTOP Alisson Becker Sounds Alarm Over Player Workload: "No-One is Listening to Us"

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has raised concerns about the increasingly demanding workload faced by footballers, warning that players’ voices are not being heard when it comes to fixture congestion. The Brazilian shot-stopper, a key figure for both Liverpool and Brazil, believes that no-one in football is close to finding a solution to this growing issue.

Alisson’s comments come ahead of Liverpool‘s upcoming Champions League fixture against AC Milan, part of the tournament’s newly introduced eight-game league phase. The restructuring of the Champions League, combined with the already packed domestic and international schedules, has further fueled debates about the physical demands placed on elite footballers.

The Growing Fixture Pile-Up

Liverpool, like many top clubs, is no stranger to fixture congestion. Last season, the team played 58 matches across all competitions, including domestic league and cup competitions, the Champions League, and various international fixtures. This high number of games is not uncommon for top-tier clubs, especially those that compete deep into multiple tournaments.

This season, the new format for the Champions League has only added to the load. The competition now includes an eight-game league phase, compared to the traditional six-match group stage, and a potential two-legged play-off before the last 16. This adjustment means more matches for clubs already stretched thin by domestic obligations and player commitments to their national teams.

Speaking about the situation, Alisson voiced his frustrations: “We players are not being listened to about the number of games we have to play. No-one in football seems to be close to finding a solution, and it’s something that affects us all.”

The Physical and Mental Toll

Alisson’s concerns are shared by many players and coaches across Europe. The relentless nature of modern football, particularly for top players who are involved in multiple competitions throughout the year, has led to rising injury rates and burnout. The tight turnaround between games leaves players with little time to recover, increasing the risk of muscle injuries, fatigue, and mental exhaustion.

In an increasingly congested calendar, the physical toll on players is visible. Injuries have become more frequent, and players are forced to play through fatigue, which in turn can lead to underwhelming performances. Alisson Becker acknowledged this issue, saying, “We all love football, but at this pace, we’re running the risk of not performing at our best because our bodies can’t keep up.”

The Champions League Dilemma

Alisson’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the Champions League. UEFA’s decision to expand the group stage to eight games as part of the competition’s new format has been met with criticism from both players and coaches. The changes were designed to increase revenue and global interest, but for the players, it represents yet another burden on an already overloaded calendar.

Liverpool’s clash with AC Milan, part of this extended league phase, illustrates the growing demands on top clubs. Not only are the players required to maintain peak fitness and performance levels, but they must also contend with the pressures of competing in multiple tournaments simultaneously. As Alisson pointed out, “We’re adding more games, more travel, and less time to rest. It’s not sustainable in the long run.”

Beyond the Champions League, domestic fixtures in leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A continue to demand a high level of intensity and focus. Add to that the various domestic cup competitions and the increasing number of international breaks, and it becomes clear why players like Alisson are sounding the alarm.

Alisson emphasized that while players understand the commercial realities of modern football, there needs to be a balance: “We know football is a big business, but at the end of the day, it’s the players who make the game what it is. If we’re not at our best, it’s the fans and the game that suffer.”