Brazilian outlet Esporte Interativo managed to get a few exclusive interviews following Liverpool’s win over Atalanta this week.
They spoke to Jurgen Klopp and Alisson, and both interviews had a similar subject, which was the Reds’ new sensation Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese international scored a hat-trick against the Italian side in the same night when he replaced Liverpool star Roberto Firmino. So there was a lot to talk about.
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp talked about the decision of using Jota instead of the Brazilian striker, and explained about how important it is to have more attacking options for the team this season.
“Bobby is incredibly important. But for tonight we decided, with all the games we have, we decided to use the shape, the form Diogo is in. So he’s flying in the moment, it’d be crazy not to use that,” Klopp told Esporte Interativo.
“The way Atalanta play, it made sense that Diogo played there, but now we have many more options that we can use in attack, because these boys in the past two three years played all the games. And that helps massively that we can make a change. Then the players can get some freshness in difficult moments.
“It’s so tough, the season is so tough for all of us. So I’m really happy. Diogo played an exceptional game, scoring three goals in a Champions League match, so that’s quite impressive and for us it’s very important.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5oxsv7fqqM
Alisson revealed Jota’s surprise when he joined the Reds, as the Portuguese player wasn’t used to having so many chances to score in his other teams. The goalkeeper also talked about the importance of Roberto Firmino.
“Very well. As soon as he arrived, after the first game we talked a little. He said ‘wow, there is a lot of chances here in games, right?’. I said ‘yeah, the team works very well offensively, it creates chances’. I told him ‘take the opportunity’. And he is a very hard-working, high-quality guy, down to earth, humble. He arrived to help us a lot and proves that our team is not a one-player team. We are a team with a squad, a very strong group.
“We keep the battles within our team. The importance of Firmino I don’t even need to talk about. Everything he’s done for the club and everything he’s been doing. He’s a very supportive player, works for the team, isn’t individualistic at all. He’s helped us a lot so far. So we need everyone for our goals going forward.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtyYad0zKf8
Liverpool now make a short trip to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, a match that will present Klopp with a decision to make over Firmino or Jota.
Then the players will disperse for the international break.
