Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has given a big interview to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte.
Even though the story highlights the Reds’ Champions League clash against Roma, which is being played this week, most of the questions were about the Brazilian national team, Liverpool’s season and his popularity among Brazilian fans.
As we’ve pointed out before, Firmino’s interviews can turn out to be quite boring when he’s speaking about games, so we’re taking the best quotes about his teammates and his professional life.
Regarding Philippe Coutinho’s departure, the 26-year-old claims that Liverpool only managed to keep the same level of football because of Jurgen Klopp’s skills.
“I think it’s because of the quality of the players we have in our squad and the great work of Klopp, who is one of the best managers in the world today. He knows football as few others, besides being a fantastic person.
“With Coutinho we played in a way that used to enchant. Many questioned what Liverpool would look like without him. It really was a great loss, but we continue to play offensively in this new phase.”
After leaving Brazil very early in his career, Firmino was never very popular in his own country. But the Liverpool star claims he’s not very bothered about it.
“I don’t think that way. Perhaps for leaving Brazil too early the fans ended up not watching me play more closely. I don’t feel devalued by it. It was the way I walked and I always tried to honour. And that’s what I’ve been doing since Figueirense. I was very happy at Hoffenheim, which was the club that opened the doors for me here in Europe, and now I believe I live my best phase here at Liverpool.”
Firmino was also asked if his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah deserves a place between the world’s three best players. He obviously supported his friend.
“If he will be, I don’t know, but he deserves it, I have no doubt. He’s an outstanding player, who lives a great time. He has reached 40 goals in the season. He has a lot of technique, he is very skilful and he has a nose for goals. I’m hoping he can have a great World Cup too.”
