Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on his forward, Roberto Firmino, claiming that he is a top player who has the right mix of attitude to succeed at the top level.
The German tactician has had Firmino as an opponent many times during their time in the Bundesliga. Back then, the Brazilian was a raw talent, needing the right manager to polish his skill. And it seems like the former Borussia Dortmund manager is playing that role now.
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"The difference is not too big because I knew Roberto before I came here and he is a very good player.
"I played [against him] a number of times when he was at Hoffenheim so I knew a lot about him.”
The enigmatic manager then went on to explain how he has mixed the right attitude with his talent, making him do things that has become the subject of Klopp’s love.
"The only thing what he shows now is this mixture of talent and attitude. He’s a really good player and he loves what he is doing."
Klopp also revealed the type of team-mate that the talented Brazilian is. Brazilian players are known for their light-hearted nature, and Firmino is no different as his colleagues love working with him and vice versa.
The German added: "He is a really good teammate for all the other guys and he loves working for them.”
Forwards are generally seen as goal-lovers—and that should always be the case. However, with Roberto Firmino, it is slightly different.
As Jurgen Klopp goes on to reveal, Firmino has his fair share of necessary selfishness in front of goal, but scoring is not an obsessive compulsion for him as he is equally pleased when he assists a team-mate.
"He is how good offensive players should be, kind of selfish, but actually it’s not too important for him if he scores or not.
"If he has an assist, all good, so it makes him a really nice teammate actually, and for me it’s a big pleasure to work with him."
Jurgen Klopp’s men face Manchester United for the first time this season on Monday. It will also be Jose Mourinho’s first game against Liverpool as the manager of the Red Devils. The last time these two managers faced off was back in 2013 when the Portuguese’s Real Madrid beat the German’s Dortmund 2-0.
Klopp will be hoping that Firmino will be at his best against Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co. and not extend his losing streak against Mourinho to two games.
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