Liverpool man offers effusive praise of ‘agitated’ Klopp

Matt Stead

Liverpool’s “growth in recent seasons” is all down to Jurgen Klopp, according to Roberto Firmino.

Firmino has scored seven goals and assisted a further four as Liverpool have juggled the Premier League and Champions League.

They are currently fifth in the Premier League table after a patchy period, while they are top of their Champions League group and expected to go through.

Firmino believes that the club’s progress from mid-table strugglers when Klopp was appointed in October 2015 to challengers two years later is all down to the German.

“It’s difficult to define a specific reason for a good moment,” he told UOL Esporte.

“I’m entering my third season for Liverpool and with each passing year I feel more comfortable, more at home, and this is very positive for me.

“Having the opportunity to work with Klopp was very good for my development.

“He is a manager who demands a lot, has a lot of experience and understands a lot about football.

“Klopp is a fantastic guy. He has that different way of celebrating the goals, he’s quite agitated, but he is an incredible person.

“Liverpool got it right when they brought him here and certainly this club growth in recent seasons goes right through him.

“I hope that at the end of the season we can celebrate a title together to celebrate this excellent work developed by him.

“I think the manager’s job is to find the best position for the athletes he has in the squad.

“We have more players on the wings, like Mane and Salah, besides Philippe Coutinho, who plays a role of coming from behind.

“Klopp has been using this formation a lot and it worked. I hope the goals keep coming and Liverpool keep winning games.”