Monday 17th May 2021
Alisson’s greeting to dead papa
Klopp’s goalie hits and cries uncontrollably
First the goal, then the tears: Goalkeeper Alisson gives Liverpool FC a dramatic and highly emotional victory – and lets coach Jürgen Klopp hope for a spectacular happy ending to his most difficult season so far with the Reds.
Match winner Alisson Becker laid his head on Jürgen Klopp’s shoulder and cried unrestrainedly. His last-minute goal in luck, plus the painful memories of the recent accidental death of his father – the goalkeeper of Liverpool FC was simply overwhelmed by the emotional chaos. “I hope he was there and saw it,” said Alisson, still troubled after the tearful hug with his coach, about dad Jose Agostinho, “I’m sure he will celebrate with God by his side.”
Father Becker drowned in February not far from his vacation spot in Lavras do Sul, southern Brazil, at the age of 57. He was “too emotional” to talk about this stroke of fate, said Alisson after his header to 2-1 (1-1) at West Bromwich Albion, the first competitive goal by a goalkeeper in the 129-year history of the Liverpool club: “Football is mine Life. I’ve played with my father for as long as I can remember … “
And so after his goal (90th + 5) he pointed both index fingers in greeting into the rainy sky over West Bromwich. “I couldn’t be happier,” said Alisson when he had recovered a little. “Some things,” he said of the Premier League goalkeeper’s sixth goal and the first head-on, “you can’t explain”. Or is it? “The only reason is God,” said Alisson, laughing, “he put his hand on my head. I feel blessed.”
“He’s our boy, our brother”
For Klopp it was a “Worldie”, ie a goal in the world class, and “the best I have ever seen from a goalkeeper”. In his opinion, “no one better” could have kept Liverpool’s Champions League dreams alive. “He’s our boy, our brother,” said Klopp solemnly, “a wonderful person, funny and clever – just a great guy.” When the 28-year-old mourned his father, “we all suffered with him”.
The joy was all the greater. In the cabin, Alisson’s “unbelievable” hussar piece ran up and down, according to Klopp, Thiago said of the “beloved” goalkeeper that he hadn’t even seen such a timing with Robert Lewandowski. The “Telegraph” wrote of the “Wonderland Winner”, the Daily Star saw “Ali’s Ko”, and the “Mirror” was reminded of a German tennis hero: “Game, Set and Match Becker!”
This “perfect moment”, said Klopp, was “the highlight” of a very difficult season that could now have an unexpected happy ending. If the table third Leicester City (66 points) scores on Tuesday (9.15 p.m. / Sky) at fourth Chelsea FC (64) around Thomas Tuchel, Liverpool (63) two wins in Burnley and against Crystal Palace are enough for the premier class. “I hope,” said Alisson, “that I don’t have to repeat this a few more times.” Twice would be enough.
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