Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has been appointed as the club's new vice-captain but is unlikely to wear the armband during matches due to recent Premier League rule changes. Manager Andoni Iraola explained the situation, noting that the new regulations could limit the effectiveness of a goalkeeper in such a role.
The Premier League introduced rules last season stipulating that only the designated team captain is permitted to approach the referee to discuss major decisions or contentious moments during a game. Given Alisson's position on the pitch, it would be impractical for him to frequently leave his goal to engage with the referee.
Alisson, who replaces outgoing vice-captain Andy Robertson, will share the vice-captaincy alongside experienced players Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai. Virgil van Dijk remains the club captain.
"I explained to Alisson especially that it's not going to be possible that he wears the armband because with the new rule I think there is a big limitation if a goalkeeper wears the armband," Iraola stated. "Because basically, if something happens in the opposition box the referee has to explain to the captains what's happening, all the decisions."
Iraola drew on his past experience, recalling a season with goalkeeper Neto at Bournemouth where the team had to designate a different outfield player to act as captain for discussions with the referee each game, a practice he deemed unviable.
"But I wanted him to feel like we value him," Iraola added. "I had to explain the decision about the armband to Ali. Because he is a keeper and, unfortunately, they are putting the rules in a way that there are a lot of disadvantages to having a keeper as a captain."
Liverpool's situation is in contrast to Crystal Palace, who currently have goalkeeper Dean Henderson as their captain, one of the few Premier League clubs to do so.