Alisson urges Liverpool to stay grounded as they target a return to winning ways

Alisson Becker says Liverpool are excited about the new season but must remain focused and work hard if they are to challenge for trophies again.

Liverpool ended their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 friendly victory over Como as they completed their preparations for the campaign ahead.

“I am very excited about the new season and really looking forward to it, but we have to keep our feet on the ground,” Alisson told Liverpool’s official website. “We dream big, but we work hard, and that is what we have to do.”

The Brazil goalkeeper stressed that the squad’s preparations had been demanding, with the players putting in intensive work over recent weeks.

“We are training very hard, and we have been training very hard during the past weeks and month,” he added. “All the players have done a great job, and it was good for us to get some confidence.”

Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season with 60 points and will begin their new campaign away to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Alisson said the team’s focus must now be on maintaining the standards shown during pre-season and using that work to compete for honours.

The goalkeeper also praised Ronald Araujo, who he said made a particularly strong contribution during the second half of the victory over Como.

“Ronald Araujo had a very good game in the second half,” Alisson said. “It is great to have a strong centre-back who can help the team and also give us more depth in our options.”

Araujo’s presence alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was another positive for Alisson, who believes the squad will need every player during the season.

“Playing alongside Virgil van Dijk is great for Ronald, so I am very happy for him,” he said. “We will need all the players, and he performed well.”

Liverpool’s win over Como brought their friendly programme to a close before the competitive action begins. Alisson underlined the balance required from the squad: ambition is needed to pursue major targets, but that ambition must be matched by discipline and hard work.

The club will start the new season at Newcastle on Sunday, with Alisson calling for Liverpool to build on their preparations as they seek to return to the challenge for trophies.