Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has admitted he does not know why his Liverpool counterpart Alisson was not included in the most recent Brazil squad. For the Brazilian national team, Ederson, 29, has primarily had to serve as Alisson’s backup since the Liverpool goalkeeper was ex-coach Tite’s first choice.
The City goalkeeper will now have an opportunity to shine during the current international break when Brazil play 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco in a friendly during the international break. As Tite resigned as manager following Brazil’s shocking loss to Croatia in their World Cup quarterfinal in Qatar, Ramon Menezes, the temporary manager, has kept Alisson out of the team.
‘I thought he would be on the list’ – Ederson expresses shock at Alisson snub
For the friendly game against Morocco on Saturday, Menezes chose Ederson, Athletico Paranaense’s Mycael, and Palmeiras’ Weverton as his three goalkeepers, leaving Alisson out entirely. Despite Liverpool’s difficulties this season, Alisson has kept up his impressive form, as Ederson says he’s not sure why Menezes left out his competition. The City shot-stopper told Ge Globo:
“The first moment I saw the list I was surprised, but it’s the coach’s decision. They are choices, I thought he would be on the list, but he was not. I do not know why, if it is a matter of opportunities for younger players. But we have to work, give our best, every day there is a good new player who can take that responsibility too.
“I think it’s too early for that [talk of him being number one]. Of course it is always important to start a cycle, for me it is no different and I hope to start in the best way possible. But we know it is a long cycle, many things can happen, you can live many phases during this period. You have to work as hard as possible, maintain consistency so you can be here as many times as possible.”
The interim manager left a number of players out of the team, including Alisson, who has been the first-choice keeper for the five-time world champions since around 2016. The Liverpool goalkeeper, who has 61 caps for Brazil and won the 2019 Copa America, has managed to hold off Ederson for the job despite fierce opposition. Since joining the City in 2017, the 29-year-old has captured four Premier League titles and three Golden Glove awards.
Ten of the 23 members of the latest Brazil squad had never received a senior level cap, supporting Ederson’s idea that younger players should be given an opportunity. This includes the 19-year-old goalkeeper Mycael, who plies his trade for Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense. Meanwhile, Alisson’s Liverpool teammates Fabinho and Roberto Firmino were also left out of Menezes’ 23-man selection.