Firmino: Things will only get better under Klopp

Mark Holmes
Roberto Firmino: Passed fit for Dortmund clash

Roberto Firmino: Passed fit for Dortmund clash

Roberto Firmino says Jurgen Klopp has made lots of changes at Liverpool and will continue to improve the team with more time in charge.

Liverpool have been inconsistent since Klopp took charge but on Sunday have the chance to claim the first silverware of the season when they meet Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.

Regardless of what happens in that game, Firmino is confident of a bright future under Klopp.

“I knew Jurgen Klopp from my time in Germany,” Firmino said in the Sunday People.

“He’s a really top coach and has already changed a lot of things here at the club and it’ll only get better.

“Of course we know it won’t be easy against City even though we beat them convincingly last time.

“We will have to play with all the passion and strength that Liverpool can muster to be able to win it.”

 

Firmino will be supported at Wembley by his father, who is making the 5,750-mile trip from Rio de Janiero, making it an extra special occasion for the 24-year-old.

“My family mean a lot to me but I guess that’s like it is with every other player,” Firmino said. “My parents are everything to me as is my own family, my wife Larissa, my daughter Valentina and my baby son.

“We are a long way from our families so it is great that my dad is flying over for the game and I hope we can win the cup and make it a worthwhile journey.”

Firmino left his family at 16 to join second division Figueirense, 2,000 miles away from his home, but it is occasions like Sunday’s that have made it all worthwhile for the Brazilian.

“My parents gave up things for me when I was growing up,” he said. “We lived in a tough neighbourhood where there were gangs and although my mum made sure I studied at school they also allowed me to follow my dream to play football.

“It was really difficult to leave my family and go south and I know my mother cried every day while I was gone.

“For a 16-year-old that’s quite difficult. But that is life. You have to chase your dreams and thankfully I am here today playing in England and in a big final.”

“I enjoy it in Liverpool very much as it’s a bigger city and also to have Brazilian friends like Philippe Coutinho and Lucas over here has been great for me.”