Liverpool legend blasts Brendan Rodgers for failing to recognize his genius

Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino lambasts former manager Brendan Rodgers for lacking ideas about how to use him properly

In his new book ‘Si Senor: My Liverpool Years,’ Roberto Firmino exposed his relationship with former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. Firmino played most of his Liverpool career under Jurgen Klopp but started with Rodgers at the helm.

Firmino became a fan favourite under Klopp and formed a strong attacking front-three alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. The Brazil international left Liverpool during the summer of 2023 after his contract expired and he opted for other challenges.

The 32-year-old spent eight seasons at the club and achieved many honours under Klopp’s “Liverpool 1.0”, playing a pivotal role. He won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup in the domestic competitions with Liverpool. Furthermore, he won the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Liverpool signed the Brazilian from TSG Hoffenheim in 2015 when Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard left the club. Firmino played 362 games for the Reds, contributing with 111 goals and 79 assists in all competitions.

In his book ‘Si Senor: My Liverpool years’ (h/t Liverpool Echo), Firmino detailed his struggles at the start. He wrote:

“It was clear that the coach, Brendan Rodgers, didn’t know how to use me. I don’t think he understood my style of play – I definitely never understood his plans for me. Maybe that was because he didn’t really have any.”

Furthermore, the 32-year-old talked about his celebrations during Liverpool’s boxing day win over Rodgers’ Leicester City. Firmino scored two goals in the game as the Reds won 4-0 to beat the Foxes. He wrote:

“I never went towards the opposition’s fans, never taunted rivals, never provoked anyone and always shared the celebrations with team-mates. But that day at the King Power Stadium, I admit, I was delivering a message to the coach on the other bench, a reminder to Brendan Rodgers that he hadn’t believed in me like the boss [Klopp] did.”

Rodgers’ reign involved many baffling decisions that riled up the Kopites and created unnecessary problems at the club. He used Nuri Sahin out of position which led to the player’s early departure from the club.

Furthermore, Liverpool icon Daniel Agger faced a lot of frustrations under the current Celtic manager. To make things worse, many fans blame Rodgers for Gerrard’s exit from the club despite his importance. He decided to use Gerrard as a squad player despite the team lacking talents worthy enough to fill his shoes.

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We are glad that Liverpool eventually moved away from Rodgers and chose Klopp as the manager. Klopp is the manager that we can be proud of, someone who gives players as much respect as he deserves.