Alisson joined his new team-mates for his first training session on Tuesday, and is confident he can settle quickly ahead of Liverpool’s season opener.
The Reds take on West Ham at Anfield on August 11, kicking off their Premier League campaign against one of the top flight’s most interesting sides.
The Hammers have signed Lukasz Fabianski, Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Ryan Fredericks, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson already this summer, as they begin a new era under Manuel Pellegrini.
But Alisson is one of four big-name additions to Jurgen Klopp‘s squad this summer, and along with Fabinho, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri he can lift his side towards title contention.
The Brazilian is set to make his debut in Saturday’s pre-season clash with Napoli, and speaking to LiverpoolFC.com said believes the next 12 days will be enough to allow him to adjust:
“Although these two weeks don’t seem like a long time, it’s enough for us to be ready for our first game against West Ham.
“We’ll play two friendlies before this game and I’m sure the hard work the squad have put in so far is going to help me become a member of the squad as quickly as possible so that I am 100 percent ready for our first game to kick off the Premier League in a good way.
“This initial training session has been useful for me to see what our playing style should be in the Premier League.
“It’s also showed me that the team are very well adapted to it and everyone seems to be physically fit, not to say technically—they’re all great players after all.
“I’m very happy to have them alongside me and to be a part of this project that Liverpool have and the great work they have been doing over recent years.
“I hope I can help and bring something extra to the team.”
Klopp has continually stressed the importance of togetherness within his squad, and it is encouraging to hear Alisson say he feels “at home already.”
He has been aided by a positive group in Evian, and the 25-year-old believes the influence of three players in particular will be key:
“It’s important I get to know [the squad] as quickly as possible.
“The relationship we develop off the pitch is very helpful for us to gel as a team.
“I know Fabinho and Bobby [Firmino] and I’m sure they’re going to help me.
“I’ve also already worked with ‘Mo Mo’ [Salah], the three of them will be very important for me to settle into the squad.
“My first impression tells me it won’t be difficult for me here—it’s a great squad formed by great players and brilliant professionals.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a great season for us all.”
Alisson wore the No. 13 on his training kit on Tuesday, though his squad number for the upcoming campaign is yet to be confirmed.
Regardless, he is set to take over from Loris Karius as first-choice goalkeeper, and this burgeoning relationship with Klopp’s squad is essential to his success in the role.
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