The Kopite View

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Alisson Becker’s injury record has started to become a real concern. Goalkeepers are normally the most reliable players in a squad, but Liverpool have had to cope without their number one far too often over the last two seasons.

Looking at the injury list since 23/24:

❌ Muscle issue (3 games) ❌ Hamstring (15 games) ❌ Thigh (2 games) ❌ Hamstring (12 games) ❌ Hamstring (8 games) ❌ Muscle issue (1 game)

And now he’s out again for an extended period.

This is not normal for a goalkeeper.

Reports suggest Alisson has missed a huge number of matches through injury in recent seasons, including around 28 matches in 2024/25 alone, mostly with hamstring and thigh problems, which is an unusually high number for a goalkeeper. 

Across his Liverpool career, he is expected to miss 70+ matches through injury/fitness issues, which is a massive number for a player in that position. 

There is no doubt Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world when fit. His shot stopping, one-on-ones and distribution have won Liverpool trophies. But availability matters, and Liverpool have had to rely on backup goalkeepers far too often.

And that brings us to why Ray Clemence is still the greatest Liverpool goalkeeper.

Why Ray Clemence Is Still No.1

Ray Clemence is widely regarded as Liverpool’s greatest ever goalkeeper, and when you look at the numbers and his reliability, it’s easy to see why.

During his Liverpool career he made over 660 appearances and kept 323 clean sheets, which is an incredible record. 

Even more incredible, Clemence missed only a handful of league games across more than a decade, showing unbelievable consistency and durability. 

He also won:

3 European Cups 5 League titles 2 UEFA Cups FA Cup League Cup

But what really sets Clemence apart was reliability. He was always there. Week in, week out. Season after season.

That’s the difference.

Alisson at his best might be the better goalkeeper technically, but Clemence was always available, always consistent, and was the backbone of one of the greatest Liverpool teams in history.

The Big Question for Liverpool

Liverpool now have to start asking a difficult question:

Can you rely on a goalkeeper who misses 10–15 games every season?

Because for a goalkeeper, consistency and availability are almost as important as ability.

And that’s why, for many Liverpool fans, Ray Clemence is still the greatest goalkeeper the club has ever had.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Supporters of Liverpool F.C. have been urged to delay renewing their season tickets following news of the club’s planned three-year ticket price rise strategy.

The planned increases, which reportedly ignored recommendations from the Supporters Board, have caused frustration among many regular match-going fans, and supporter groups are now encouraging fans to wait until close to the renewal deadline on 25 May before committing.

Three-Year Ticket Rise Plan

The issue centres around a long-term pricing strategy that would see annual increases for regular match-going supporters over the next three years.

Many fans feel this goes against the club’s tradition of looking after local and long-standing supporters, especially during a period where the cost of living is still high and attending matches is already extremely expensive for many families.

Ticket prices at Anfield have always been a sensitive topic, and any suggestion of planned yearly increases was always likely to cause a strong reaction from supporters.

Supporters Board Recommendations Ignored

One of the biggest issues for fans is that the Supporters Board reportedly made recommendations regarding ticket pricing, but those suggestions were not followed by the club.

That has led to frustration because the board is supposed to represent supporters’ voices in discussions with the club, and if recommendations are ignored, many fans will question what influence the board actually has.

Why Fans Are Being Asked To Wait

Supporter groups are now encouraging fans not to renew immediately, but instead wait until closer to the 25 May deadline, with further announcements expected.

The idea behind this is simple:

It shows the club that fans are unhappy It keeps pressure on decision makers It gives supporter groups time to negotiate or respond It sends a message without fans losing their seats

It is essentially a soft protest without giving up season tickets.

Football Without Fans Is Nothing

Liverpool has always prided itself on its connection with supporters. The atmosphere at Anfield is one of the club’s greatest strengths, and many fans believe pricing out regular supporters risks damaging that atmosphere long-term.

This feels like a situation that could grow over the coming weeks, especially if more supporter groups speak out before the renewal deadline.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Alisson Becker has moved to reassure supporters after posting an injury update on social media a short time ago, confirming that he has not suffered a new injury and is now in the treatment phase of his recovery.

The Liverpool F.C. goalkeeper has been absent recently, leading to some concern among supporters, but his latest update suggests the situation is under control and progressing as planned.

“I Didn’t Suffer A New Injury”

Alisson posted the following update:

“I didn’t suffer a new injury. I’m in the treatment phase, and the plan is to be in full playing condition by the end of April!”

This will come as a big relief, as there had been fears he may have suffered a setback. Instead, it appears this is part of the original recovery timeline rather than a new problem.

Big Games Coming Up

The timing of his return could be very important for Liverpool. With crucial league games and European fixtures approaching, having Alisson back fit for the final part of the season could make a huge difference.

He has proven many times that he is one of the most important players in the team, not just for his saves but for his calmness, organisation, and ability with the ball at his feet.

End Of April Return Target

If the timeline stays on track, Alisson could return for the final weeks of the season, which may include:

Important league fixtures Potential European knockout games Possibly cup matches depending on Liverpool’s progress

Having the first-choice goalkeeper back for the run-in could be a major boost.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Sebastian Hoeneß has long been admired by Liverpool F.C. and was previously on the club’s shortlist to potentially succeed Jürgen Klopp.

With uncertainty always surrounding football managers, his name is one that could reappear, especially if anything were to change with Arne Slot in the future.

Why Liverpool Like Hoeneß

Hoeneß is highly regarded because his style of football fits very closely with Liverpool’s modern, data-driven recruitment and tactical model.

His teams:

Play high-intensity football Press aggressively Attack quickly in transition Use structured positional play Develop young players

This combination makes him the type of coach Liverpool’s recruitment team and ownership typically look for — similar to the model used when Klopp was appointed.

He is seen as a system coach, someone who improves players and works within a sporting structure rather than demanding complete control.

Doubts Over Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is often heavily linked with Liverpool because of his history with the club, but some people inside football have doubts — not about his ability, but about his style and fit.

One of the main concerns is that his football can be:

Very possession-heavy Slow build-up focused Structured rather than chaotic Often using a back three

Some people believe this is too similar to the current Arne Slot possession style, meaning Liverpool would not be changing direction tactically if they replaced Slot with Alonso.

So the question becomes:

If you are changing manager, should you be changing style as well?

Style Matters At Liverpool

Liverpool’s most successful periods have usually come with:

High tempo Fast transitions Heavy pressing Direct attacking football

If the team moves too far into slow possession football, there is always a concern it loses the intensity that made Liverpool so difficult to play against under Klopp.

That is one reason why someone like Hoeneß is interesting — his teams tend to play faster and more vertically than Alonso’s teams.

The Big Issue — Experience

The biggest concern with Alonso is actually not style — it is experience and expectations.

Managing:

Bayer 04 Leverkusen is very different to managing: Liverpool F.C.

At Liverpool you have:

Huge expectations Media pressure Fan pressure Champions League expectations every year Constant pressure to win trophies

Some people worry that going from Leverkusen straight into a job like Liverpool or Real Madrid is a massive jump.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Comments from Jamie Carragher this week may not go down well with many Liverpool F.C. supporters after he suggested fans risk behaving like Manchester United F.C. supporters after the departure of Alex Ferguson.

Speaking to The Telegraph Football, Carragher said his fear is that Liverpool fans are so desperate to find the next Jürgen Klopp that they may end up wanting to replace managers too quickly in the search for another larger-than-life figure.

He also said there is “no other Klopp” and described him as a one-off whose aura is almost impossible to replace.

Why This Will Frustrate Liverpool Fans

The comments could frustrate Liverpool supporters for several reasons.

Firstly, many Liverpool fans do not believe they are behaving like Manchester United supporters after Ferguson. United went through multiple managers while spending huge amounts of money and constantly changing direction. Liverpool fans would argue they are not demanding a new manager every season — they just want the team to perform and compete.

Secondly, some supporters may feel Carragher is lowering expectations. Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and fans expect the team to challenge for major trophies. Wanting success does not mean supporters are unrealistic or disloyal to managers.

The Klopp Comparison Problem

Carragher is probably right about one thing — replacing Klopp was always going to be almost impossible.

Klopp wasn’t just a manager. He was:

A leader A personality A connection between fans and players Someone who rebuilt the club Someone who delivered the biggest trophies

Managers like that do not come around often in football.

But the problem is Liverpool supporters are not necessarily looking for the next Klopp — they are looking for the next successful Liverpool manager.

That is a big difference.

The Real Issue

The real issue is expectations. When Klopp left, Liverpool were competing for the biggest trophies. That becomes the standard. Fans don’t suddenly accept finishing far behind rivals just because a legendary manager left.

So when performances drop or decisions are questioned, it is not about trying to find the next Klopp — it is about maintaining Liverpool’s level as an elite club.

This Debate Will Continue

This is a debate that will likely continue for years:

How do you replace a legendary manager? How patient should fans be? What are realistic expectations? Can anyone ever replace Klopp’s influence?

Carragher’s comments will definitely start conversation — but they may also annoy Liverpool fans who feel their expectations are being misunderstood.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

As Arne Slot prepares Liverpool F.C. for a season-defining run of fixtures against Manchester City F.C., Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Fulham F.C. and Everton F.C., a concerning update regarding Alisson Becker has added another layer of worry at exactly the wrong time.

Bad Timing For Liverpool

With this run of fixtures likely to define Liverpool’s season, the last thing the team needs is uncertainty around their number one goalkeeper. Alisson has been one of Liverpool’s most important players for years, and in big games — especially against teams like Manchester City and PSG — goalkeepers can be the difference between going through or going out.

If Alisson is unavailable or not fully fit, it puts huge pressure on whoever steps in, and it can also affect how the team plays defensively. Liverpool play with a high line and rely heavily on Alisson’s positioning, distribution, and one-on-one ability.

Big Games Often Come Down To Moments

In matches against Manchester City and PSG, chances are limited and games are often decided by small moments:

A big save A mistake A set piece A counter attack

Alisson is one of the best in the world in those moments, which is why any injury or fitness concern before this run of games is a major worry.

Season Could Be Defined In The Next Few Weeks

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures:

Manchester City PSG Fulham (Anfield) PSG Everton

This run could define:

The FA Cup The Champions League League position The mood around Slot Confidence going into next season

And when you go into a run like that, you want your strongest team available — especially your goalkeeper.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Fenway Sports Group remain fully supportive of Arne Slot, believing the Liverpool head coach has been dealt a difficult hand during a challenging season at Liverpool F.C..

Despite mixed performances and growing scrutiny, the club’s decision-makers are understood to still have strong faith in Slot’s ability to turn things around.

A Difficult Set Of Circumstances

There are several mitigating factors behind Liverpool’s struggles this season.

Serious injuries have disrupted rhythm and consistency, while some of the club’s established stars have seen a decline in output compared to previous campaigns. On top of that, summer signings have needed time to settle into a new league and system.

All of this has contributed to a season that has been far from straightforward.

Mistakes Acknowledged

Slot has not escaped criticism, and even within the club there is an understanding that mistakes have been made — whether in tactics, team selection, or in-game decisions.

However, those in charge are not reacting emotionally. Instead, they are taking a longer-term view, recognising that setbacks are part of building a team and implementing a new approach.

Faith Remains In The Project

Despite the challenges, FSG continue to believe that Slot is the right man to lead Liverpool forward.

The expectation is that with the right additions in the summer transfer window, and with more time for players to adapt, Slot can reassert himself and improve results.

A Big Summer Ahead

This puts even more importance on the upcoming transfer window. Strengthening key areas of the squad, addressing weaknesses, and improving depth will be crucial if Liverpool are to bounce back next season.

For now, the message from FSG is clear:

they are backing Slot — and they believe he can turn things around.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Arne Slot is about to enter what could be the most important run of games of his time at Liverpool F.C. so far — a sequence of fixtures that could define the entire season.

With games against Manchester City F.C., Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (twice), Fulham F.C. at Anfield, and Everton F.C., this is the kind of run that shapes seasons, changes opinions, and defines managers.

A Season-Defining Run

This isn’t just a normal run of fixtures. This is:

A huge domestic cup tie against Manchester City A massive Champions League double-header with PSG A home league game against Fulham that Liverpool must win A Merseyside derby with everything on the line

By the end of these games, Liverpool’s season could look completely different — either full of momentum and belief, or full of pressure and questions.

Anfield Must Be A Fortress

The Fulham game at Anfield is one Liverpool simply cannot afford to slip up in.

After facing Manchester City and PSG, it would be easy for focus to drop slightly — but these are exactly the games that decide league positions. If Liverpool are serious about their ambitions, home form has to be perfect, especially against teams they are expected to beat.

From Doubters To Believers?

There have been doubts at times this season — about tactics, selections, and consistency. But football can change quickly.

If Liverpool:

Get a result against Manchester City Compete strongly or progress against PSG Beat Fulham at home Win the Merseyside derby

Then the mood around the club shifts instantly.

This is the opportunity for Slot to turn doubters into believers.

We Will Know A Lot Soon

By the end of this run, Liverpool fans will have a much clearer picture of:

Whether the season is still alive in multiple competitions Whether the team can deliver in big moments Whether Slot is the man to take the club forward

This is a defining period — not just for the season, but for belief in the project.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is a growing argument among some supporters that Curtis Jones deserves a start this weekend ahead of Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool F.C..

While Mac Allister has been an important player for Liverpool since arriving, recent performances and form could open the door for Jones to come into the starting lineup.

Form Should Decide

Football is often about form, and when players are playing well they usually deserve to keep their place or earn a start. Curtis Jones has shown in recent appearances that he can bring energy, pressing, and forward runs from midfield.

Jones also offers something slightly different in midfield. He carries the ball well, drives forward, and links play between midfield and attack. In games where Liverpool need energy and movement, he can be a very useful option.

Mac Allister Has Played A Lot Of Football

Mac Allister has played a lot of minutes and has often been asked to play different roles in midfield, sometimes deeper than his natural position. Because of that, rotation could make sense, especially with big games coming up and the schedule being busy.

Resting players is not always a punishment — sometimes it is just about keeping the squad fresh and competitive.

Healthy Competition Is Good

If Curtis Jones is pushing for a starting place, that is actually a good thing for Liverpool. The best teams have competition for every position, and players know they have to perform to keep their place.

Liverpool need a squad where players are pushing each other, not a team where the same players start every game no matter their form.

A Big Decision For The Manager

The manager has a big decision to make this weekend. Does he stick with the usual midfield, or does he reward Curtis Jones with a start?

Either way, having multiple good midfield options is a positive for Liverpool — but many fans will feel that Curtis Jones has done enough to deserve a start.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There are positive updates emerging regarding the future of Ibrahima Konaté at Liverpool F.C., with reports suggesting that a long-term contract offer has now been set out, including a very high wage.

This is a strong sign that Liverpool are serious about keeping the defender at the club for the long term and see him as a key part of their future defence.

Liverpool Keen To Secure Key Defender

Konaté has become one of Liverpool’s most important defenders when fit, and the club will be very keen to avoid any uncertainty around his contract situation going into the next few seasons.

Offering a long-term deal with a high salary shows that Liverpool are trying to secure his future and reward his importance to the team.

With several contract situations at the club in recent seasons becoming complicated, Liverpool will want to avoid another situation where a key player’s future becomes uncertain.

Important Player For The Future

Liverpool are likely planning their defence for the next few years, and Konaté is clearly seen as a major part of those plans.

His pace, strength, and ability in big games make him a very important player, especially in modern football where centre-backs need to defend large spaces and play out from the back.

If Liverpool can secure him on a long-term contract, it would be a very important piece of business for the club.

Good News For Liverpool Fans

After some uncertainty around contract talks earlier, this latest update sounds much more positive. While nothing is signed yet, setting out a long-term contract with a high wage is usually a big step towards reaching an agreement.

Liverpool supporters will be hoping this situation now moves towards a full agreement and confirmation in the coming months.

Jamie (The Kopite View)