Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has expressed his disappointment of not being able to play in European competitions this season and has admitted that they are looking forward to being in Champions League come next season. He said that it is good for the team to play as many games as possible. Firmino also said that the team will not be short on confidence if they play in the Champions League next season and credited the manager Jurgen Klopp for keeping everyone’s mood at Melwood in good spirits.

Firmino said: “I would play two or three times a week if we could. It’s best for the team to be playing that way. I’m very sad there’s no European competition this season and I’m really looking forward to hopefully getting back in next season. We have to work a lot harder and we have an obligation to try and achieve the top four for that reason – that we do have more rest. And that’s what we’re going to continue to try to do.”

“It’s very important for the team and the players. We intend to fight to the end so that we can achieve that top-four position. The objective is to end in the top four. We are going to keep on fighting until the last game to achieve that goal.”

The Brazilian, who earns £100,000-a-week believes the squad won’t be short of encouragement as they target qualification for next season’s Champions League. As he explained, it seems like it comes to them, courtesy of manager Jurgen Klopp.

“Working with him is excellent,” Firmino added. “He motivates us in a different way each day, each training session, he does something new. And he helps us bring a kind of motivation from within ourselves as well.”

Firmino also spoke about his teammates Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane and praised them for their uniqueness. He said that he understands the way his fellow attackers play and revealed that he even knows their next move when they are on their pitch!

The 25-year-old praised his teammates: “They’re exceptional players, they’re unique. With excellent players like them, I know what they’re going to do before they get the ball. We’re going to carry on giving our absolute all.”

Firmino has made 30 appearances this season, scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists. He has spent a total of 2500 minutes on the pitch, all of this with the team not being a part of Champions League or Europa League. With the team set to be a part of either of the competitions next season, Firmino will be a vital player for Jurgen Klopp’s plans and hence it is encouraging to see the player being motivated to do the right things.