Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson says ‘Nobody asks players about adding more games’

On Monday, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji joked he may have to retire at 30 because of relentless fixture schedules.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also long been a vocal critic of fixture congestion.

“We understand we have the side of the media and TV, we have the side from Uefa, from Fifa, from the Premier League and other domestic competitions,” said Alisson.

“We are not stupid, we understand that. We understand that people want more games, but the reasonable thing would be for all these sides that I mention and the people who are responsible for making the calendar to sit together and to listen to all the parts, including the players.”

Alisson, who played 42 matches for Liverpool and Brazil last season despite being out injured for more than two months, added: “So many players have spoken already about it, we just need to be listened to.

“If you are tired you cannot compete at a high level. What I want is to give my best in all the games I play.

“At the moment it doesn’t look like we are close to a solution for football’s sake and for the players’ sake.”