Alisson dismisses World Cup favourite tag, focuses on Brazil's readiness

Brazil’s seasoned goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, has downplayed the significance of his team being tipped as World Cup favorites, asserting that such labels bring added pressure rather than a competitive edge.

Speaking at Brazil’s training base in New Jersey, the Liverpool custodian, who has battled recent injuries, declared himself fully fit for his third World Cup campaign. Alisson noted that while other nations like France and reigning champions Argentina might be viewed as more prepared, the crucial factor is a team’s condition at the start of their first match.

“What really matters is the condition you are at the first game. We are ready,” Alisson stated, highlighting an improved team spirit following a challenging South American qualifying campaign. Brazil finished fifth, behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Uruguay, and experienced a coaching transition with the appointment of Italian Carlo Ancelotti.

Alisson praised Ancelotti’s impact since his arrival nearly a year ago. “Everything started to get better once Ancelotti arrived. He has a very strong presence in the group and gives us tranquility to work,” he commented. Ancelotti, the first foreign head coach for the five-time champions, has been focusing on strengthening the team’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities. “Some of those goals could have been avoided. We are working on it, because the World Cup is a short tournament,” Alisson added.

Brazil is set to begin their World Cup journey against Morocco on Saturday at the MetLife Stadium. While Alisson acknowledged the milestone of potentially joining an elite group of four-time World Cup goalkeepers, his ultimate ambition lies elsewhere: “I wanted to join another group, the champions one.”

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/brazil-s-alisson-sees-no-advantage-for-teams-tipped-as-world-cup-favourites-5493350