“I am used to that” – Liverpool star gives his honest opinion about competing with key summer signing

Roberto Firmino insists there is no personal battle with Diogo Jota

According to a report by Daily Star, Roberto Firmino believes that he is not in a ‘personal battle’ with new signing Diogo Jota over a place in the starting line-up.

Diogo Jota has hit the ground running this season after he was signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer. The Portuguese winger’s good form has led many to suggest that Firmino should be dropped from the starting line-up in place of Jota.

The Brazilian has been in poor goalscoring form since the start of this season for the club.

However, speaking in an interview before the match against Leicester City, Firmino admitted that he is not bothered by the competition for a starting place.

“Liverpool have a great squad of players, so earning a starting position here is not easy at all, and I am used to that. Diogo is an excellent footballer and another companion in the squad. We all work hard during the week and then the coach decides who comes out. So, I don’t have any personal battle with him.”

Firmino also went on to say that he believes that Liverpool’s attack is one of the best in the world.

“Liverpool’s attack line is spectacular, and I would say comparable to any in the world, in any of the major leagues. Now this year I see it as being even better. And it’s not emotion that makes me say this, but simply a result of looking at the statistics.”

Firmino’s goal against Leicester in the 3-0 win on Sunday was only his 2nd goal in 13 matches this season. While goalscoring is not his main job, such statistics raise eyebrows.

But Firmino has said that his focus remains on working hard in the training and following the manager’s instructions on the pitch.

“As for me, I work hard in training – and then on the field I do what Jurgen Klopp tells me. That is my working philosophy, always.”

Firmino was signed in the summer of 2015 by current Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers and is in his sixth year at the club. He renewed his Liverpool deal in 2018, which sees his current contract expire in June 2023.