Jurgen Klopp has sent his congratulations to Alisson and Roberto Firmino following Brazil’s Copa America victory.
On Sunday evening, El Selecao defeated Peru 3-1 to secure the trophy – with the goal against the only Ali conceded the entire tournament.
Firmino also started and played a vital role in Brazil’s crucial second goal, which came right after Peru’s equaliser, by tracking back and winning the ball off a midfielder.
Both players have enjoyed a pretty incredible summer that puts them in Ballon d’Or contention, having won the Champions League with Liverpool six weeks back.
Alisson especially deserves praise, having secured the Golden Gloves in three competitions, the Premier League, Champions League and Copa America – all in one season.
Klopp is delighted for the duo – and especially likes how they would have watched the last Brazil victory as children – and are now part of the latest as men.
“I wrote them a message immediately after the game,” the boss told the official website.
“I was sent a couple of videos, voice messages and stuff like that. They had a good time.
“The last one I got this morning at 7.30, so they need a holiday but they deserve it of course. It’s nice, it’s really nice, to see them celebrating again when you see the pictures yesterday after the game how the whole of Brazil [celebrated]. It reminded me immediately of our little celebration four or five weeks ago!
“It’s nice, it helps them of course. I think the last time they [Brazil] won it was 2007, they were kids. Ali, now 26, was 14 years old then, so it’s just nice. You watch the game then and they could not have imagined that they would be the next generation to win it. I’m really happy for them.”
Alisson and Firmino will now have a holiday, as Klopp suggests, and will barely feature during our pre-season.
However, we hope both are ready to feature on the first day of the campaign against Norwich – which is now only around 30 days away.
The only player still on international duty is Sadio Mane. The AFCON Final is on July 19th, so if Senegal make it, there’s a chance Mane will still be resting when the Premier League gets underway.