Liverpool must prove desire remains in Merseyside derby, says Alisson

Under-fire Liverpool must prove their desire remains intact when they host Everton in Monday’s Merseyside derby, says goalkeeper Alisson.

Last week’s 3-0 thrashing at Wolves extended Liverpool’s wait for a first Premier League win of 2023, leaving Jurgen Klopp’s men mired in mid-table and 11 points adrift of a top-four place.

Only once in the Premier League era have Liverpool started a calendar year with a longer winless run (five games in 2017), while they have also failed to score in their last three league outings.

Liverpool’s struggles have led to suggestions a team which almost landed an unprecedented quadruple last season needs to be rebuilt, while some have even called Klopp’s position into question.

Speaking to the club’s website ahead of Monday’s huge derby, Alisson said: “It’s a difficult moment – we recognise that.

“I think the first step you need to make for changing the situation is recognising your real situation.

“We are doing that. For this week, we have time, we are working hard. We know the importance of a derby.

“We know the importance and the meaning for us to have a good performance, to show to our supporters that we still have the desire inside of us. We are going to do that and try to win the game.”

Despite Liverpool’s negative results, Alisson believes there have been some positive signs in recent games, and he is backing Klopp’s team to turn their miserable season around.

“During the matches, we have a few good moments, so we can say we are playing at 75, 80 per cent of what we can play,” he added.

“We have to put [in] more, we have to give extra things for the team – not only in terms of football but in excitement, in attitude, supporting team-mates, everything that is in your hands to try to change our situation.

“We understand that and we’re going to use everything that we have in our hands to turn around this moment, this situation. I believe it is just a moment and we’re going to get out soon.”