Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has urged football authorities to consult with players regarding their welfare as the Reds prepare to begin an expanded Champions League campaign.

UEFA’s elite club competition now features 36 teams, meaning an additional two matches in the group stage, which will now conclude at the end of January instead of mid-December.

Former Reds manager Jürgen Klopp was often vocal about the congested fixture schedule, but Alisson has now taken up the issue, stating that players are "tired" of the ever-growing calendar.

“For the supporters, it’s amazing. More games, more big matches, big teams playing against each other,” he said ahead of the clash against AC Milan at the San Siro.

“For us players, it’s good that we are playing against the best in Europe – but it’s always a great idea to add more matches to an already packed calendar… I’m being a bit ironic here.

“Sometimes, no one asks the players what they think about adding more games, so perhaps our opinion doesn’t matter.

“But everyone knows how we feel about having more matches. Everyone is tired of it.

“We just have to set those concerns aside and remain focused on the big challenges we have ahead.”

The Brazilian international was asked how many matches he believed were reasonable for a player to participate in over a season.

“This isn’t a question I should answer alone,” added the 31-year-old, who had just returned from South America after playing twice for Brazil.

“Whether the number is 30 or 40, it’s a matter that should involve all parties. We understand the interests of the media, television, UEFA, FIFA, the Premier League, and domestic competitions.

“We’re not foolish; we understand people want more games. But the sensible approach would be for everyone involved – those responsible for the calendar – to sit down and listen to all parties, including the players.

“I think many players have already voiced their opinions on this. We just need to be heard. We want to come together and understand the future direction football is heading in – not just by adding more matches, competitions, or new ideas.

“Our aim is to give our best for football. If you’re exhausted, you can’t perform at the highest level.

“I want to give my best in every match I play, but we need a solution. It doesn’t seem like we’re close to finding a good solution for the sake of football and the players.”

Head coach Arne Slot was more reserved on the new format, preferring to hold off on judgement until seeing it in action.

“It’s something you can ask me about later,” said the Dutchman, who celebrates his 46th birthday tomorrow.

“How will it affect the players with two extra games? Will it be more exciting towards the end of the group stage? These are questions we need to answer, but I don’t think anyone has the answer just yet.”

Slot has faced further questions regarding squad rotation after his underwhelming side suffered a shock defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

However, he dismissed the idea that a lack of squad rotation was to blame, although he did confirm that new signing Federico Chiesa would be included in the squad for the first time since joining from Juventus.

“For me, it’s too simplistic to blame the defeat on rotation. I think too many players didn’t perform at their usual level. That applied not just to the starting players but also to the substitutes,” he added.