Firmino insists he’s tough enough for PL

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The 23-year-old Brazilian forward is one of seven new faces at Liverpool after signing from Hoffenheim last month.

He has now started training at Melwood – being absent from the tour of the Far East because he played in the Copa America – and says his time in the Bundesliga has prepared him well for the English game.

“Without a doubt, German football, where I’ve played for nearly five years, is very similar – maybe just a little less tough than English football. I’m confident I’ll be just fine here,” Firmino told the club’s official website when asked if felt he could adapt to English football.

“It’s a unique opportunity. I could say Liverpool is the first big club I will play for. It’s a massive chance for me to show what I can do.

“Although it’s a young team, there’s a lot of experience and quality in it. Each and every one of the players must do their best to have the chance to play and win games as a consequence.”

Firmino said his compatriot Philippe Coutinho played his part in persuading him that a move to Merseyside would be a beneficial one.

He said: “He (Coutinho) was very helpful although it was ultimately my decision. I wanted to know more about how it works here and he had some very good things to tell me.

“He’s a great character and I hope we can nurture our friendship at Liverpool.”