Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson Becker has challenged the Reds to sustain their defensive focus that has helped the team to secure back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in all competitions since September.
The Champions League holders booked their place in to the last 16 of the competition on Tuesday thanks to a 2-0 win against Red Bull Salzburg, as Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah found the back of the net.
It was also Liverpool’s second clean sheet in a row, following last Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win at the Vitality Stadium against Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, a result that took the Reds eight points clear at the summit of the English table.
Since losing the Community Shield on penalties against Manchester City back in August, Klopp’s side has only lost one game in all competitions which were a 2-0 defeat against Napoli in September. However, their defense has nonetheless come under scrutiny despite a run of 13 matches in which they conceded at least one goal.
The Reds have now recorded consecutive clean sheets for the first time since victories over MK Dons and Sheffield United which were nearly three months ago. Alisson has not played in either of those September games is now eager to keep that run going.
When asked whether about the Liverpool defense, the 27-year-old goalkeeper stated that it was only a matter, “It was just a matter of time and of focus. In the last two games, we were focused on the full game. Even if they had chances we were there, the defenders were there, and I was there to help the team. We just need to keep going with this focus because we know”
Alisson made a string of saves against Salzburg and was instrumental for Liverpool to progress through to the next round as well, he further added, “You need to do that for 90 minutes – it’s hard, we know, but I think we showed we can do this.”
