Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has finally spoken out about his future at the club amid rumours that he could leave Anfield at the end of the season. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Barcelona, where he could reunite with his former teammate Philippe Coutinho, who left Liverpool in 2018.
Firmino, who joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim in 2015, has been a key part of Jürgen Klopp’s successful side that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
However, his form has dipped this season, as he has scored only six goals in 31 league appearances. He has also faced competition from Diogo Jota, who arrived from Wolves last summer and has impressed with his pace and finishing.
In an interview with German magazine Kicker, Firmino addressed the speculation about his future and revealed his admiration for Klopp, who is set to leave Liverpool in 2024 when his contract expires. Firmino said:
“I have a contract with Liverpool until 2023 and I am very happy here. I love this club and the fans. I have no intention of leaving. I don’t know anything about Barcelona’s interest. I don’t pay attention to rumours. I just focus on my work and on helping the team.”
Firmino also praised Klopp for his impact on his career and on Liverpool’s success. He said:
“Klopp is a fantastic manager and a great person. He has changed my life and the lives of many players here. He has given us confidence, motivation and a winning mentality. He has built a strong bond between us and we are like a family. He is the best manager I have ever worked with.”
Firmino added that he hopes Klopp will stay at Liverpool beyond 2024, but he also understands that the German has other ambitions. He said:
“Of course I would like him to stay as long as possible, but I respect his decision. He has a contract until 2024 and he deserves to fulfil it. He has done so much for this club and he deserves to be happy.
He has always said that he wants to coach the German national team one day and I think that is his dream. I wish him all the best for whatever he decides to do in the future.”
Firmino’s comments come at a time when Klopp’s successor at Liverpool is becoming clearer. According to reports, Liverpool have identified RB Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann as their top target to replace Klopp when he leaves.
Nagelsmann, who is only 33 years old, has impressed with his tactical acumen and his ability to develop young players at Leipzig, who are currently second in the Bundesliga and have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
Nagelsmann is seen as a similar mould to Klopp, as he plays an attacking and pressing style of football that suits Liverpool’s philosophy. He is also fluent in English and has expressed his admiration for Liverpool in the past.
However, Liverpool could face competition from Bayern Munich, who are also interested in Nagelsmann as a potential successor to Hansi Flick, who is expected to take over the German national team after the Euro 2020.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that Firmino will stay at the club and rediscover his best form under Klopp or whoever takes over from him in the future. Firmino has scored 86 goals and provided 68 assists in 284 games for Liverpool so far, making him one of the most influential players in the club’s history.
Final Thoughts: Firmino’s Loyalty to Liverpool and Klopp’s Successor
Liverpool fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Roberto Firmino quashes rumours of a potential move to Barcelona, affirming his loyalty to the club and his contract until 2023.
Despite his dip in form this season, Firmino remains a crucial player in Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp, who he holds in high esteem. Klopp has been instrumental in shaping Firmino’s career, instilling a winning mentality and building a family-like bond amongst the team.
However, as Klopp’s departure in 2024 looms, Liverpool’s potential successor to the German coach is becoming clearer.
Julian Nagelsmann, RB Leipzig’s young and talented manager, has caught Liverpool’s attention, and his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players align with the club’s philosophy. However, Bayern Munich’s interest in Nagelsmann could pose a challenge for Liverpool.
Liverpool fans will undoubtedly hope for Firmino to regain his form under Klopp or his successor, especially given his significant contributions to the club’s success in recent years.
With Klopp’s departure approaching, Liverpool’s search for a suitable replacement will be critical in ensuring the team’s continued success. Klopp has left an indelible mark on Liverpool’s history, and his successor will have big shoes to fill.
