Alisson Becker takes swipe at UEFA on eve of new Champions League format

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has questioned UEFA's decision to extend the Champions League without consulting the players involved.

The Reds get their European campaign underway against AC Milan in the San Siro on Tuesday night with the competition introducing a new 'league phase' this season. Liverpool will play eight matches to determine if they reach the knockout stages and could play a total of 17 times if they go all the way.

A hectic fixture list awaits with Liverpool beginning its EFL Cup campaign later this month alongside Premier League matters, while there are also international breaks scheduled for October and November.

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A recent report from FIFPRO highlighted concerns over players facing an 'excessive workload' with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva complaining over the crazy schedule. And Alisson shares his concerns, suggesting more needs to be done to protect players.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference , the Brazilian said: "It's always a good idea to add some games to the calendar that is not busy - I'm being ironic a little bit!

"All the people responsible for organizing the calendar need to sit together and listen to all the parts, including the players. You can’t just add competitions and add games. If you’re tired you can’t compete at high level. We need a solution to that.

"For the supporters, it is amazing. More games, big teams playing each other. But nobody asks the players what they are thinking. So maybe our opinion doesn't matter. Everybody knows what we think about having more games."

Despite the prolonged run that awaits teams reaching the latter stages, Alisson says Liverpool will be looking to go all the way having missed out on Champions League football last season.

He added: "Playing in the Champions League is one of the reasons I came to Europe from Brazil. Not playing in it last season was really hard. Imagine something you really like to do and then you don't do it for a year, how much you'd be looking forward to it again.

"That is the way we feel. We are all looking forward to being back in it. We will do our best to try and win."