The tension at the AXA Training Centre isn’t just about one man; it’s about a changing of the guard that feels both premature and inevitable. As Liverpool navigates the 2025/26 season, the goalkeeping department has become the focal point of Arne Slot’s “New Era” drama.
The Alleged Confrontation: Fact vs. Fiction
While headlines claim Alisson shouted, “I won’t sit on the bench for anyone,” official sources and close-to-club journalists paint a different picture.
* The “Confrontation”: Sources within the club suggest there was a “frank discussion” between Alisson and Slot following the Champions League loss to Galatasaray in late 2025.
* The Sentiment: Alisson has publicly stated, “The club needs to prepare for the future… but I still have much to give.” He hasn’t hidden his desire to remain the undisputed No. 1, but the “furious dressing room explosion” appears to be an exaggeration of a professional, yet tense, tactical meeting.
The Challenger: Giorgi Mamardashvili
The arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia (following his 2024/25 loan back to Spain) has changed the temperature in the dressing room.
* The Stats: Mamardashvili, 25, has already made his mark, stepping in during Alisson’s injury spells this season—most notably in a high-stakes clash against Chelsea.
* The Mandate: The Georgian international reportedly turned down loan offers for 2025/26, telling the board he intended to fight for the starting spot immediately.
Three Factors Fueling the Tension
| Factor | Context | Impact |
|—|—|—|
| Injury Record | Alisson has missed over 50 games since 2022 due to recurring muscle issues. | Slot feels he cannot rely on Alisson for a 60-game season. |
| Contract Status | Alisson’s deal runs until 2027. | 2026 is the “decision year” for FSG—sell now for a fee or risk losing him for free. |
| Saudi/Brazil Interest | Heavy interest from the Saudi Pro League and his boyhood club, Internacional. | Speculation about his exit is constant, creating a “lame duck” atmosphere. |
Where Does Arne Slot Stand?
Arne Slot has remained characteristically cool. In recent press conferences, he has praised Alisson as “one of the best in the world,” but he has also pointedly noted that “competition is the soul of a top club.”
> “We don’t have a ‘bench’ keeper and a ‘starting’ keeper. We have two of the best in the world. The pitch decides who plays.” — Arne Slot, December 2025.
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The Verdict: Is Alisson Leaving?
As of February 2026, Alisson remains the starter when fit, but the “untouchable” status he enjoyed under Jürgen Klopp has evaporated. With rumors of AC Milan looking at him as a replacement for Mike Maignan and the looming 2026 World Cup, Alisson is playing for his legacy.
He isn’t just fighting Mamardashvili; he’s fighting his own body and the club’s data-driven transition plan.
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