Jurgen Klopp “surprised” by Roberto Firmino decision to leave Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he was surprised by the decision of Roberto Firmino to leave the Reds at the conclusion of his contract.
The 31-year-old’s existing deal with the Merseyside outfit expires at the end of the campaign. As a result, the Brazil international will end his eight-year stint at the Anfield side next summer.
Speaking to the media via transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, while the German manager was shocked by the forward’s choice, he respects it and understands that it is a part of football.
“I was surprised a little bit but I was not hit by it. It could have gone two ways and I respect it a lot. It’s completely normal in this long relationship we have had.”
Klopp inherited Firmino at Liverpool after taking charge of the club in 2015. The Reds had signed the Brazilian from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim a few months before the German manager’s appointment.
The forward has gone on to be a key player for the gaffer In Merseyside over the years. With Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane alongside the 31-year-old, we had one of the best attacking trios for some time.
Firmino has been one of the most important players up front. Apart from his flair and creativity, the forward has held the responsibility of tracking back and pressing opposition players.
The Brazilian has evidently been a key cog in making Klopp’s system that has overwhelmed teams flourish. We have won all the major titles under the German manager. However, we have not seen much of the 31-year-old as of late.
In the previous campaign, Firmino struggled with injuries. Subsequently, this season, Liverpool have signed a few quality players in the attack. The Brazilian has also once again had fitness issues.
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Klopp has the likes of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo at his disposal up front. However, while the 31-year-old’s departure will not considerably affect the depth, he will be missed by the fans.
