Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp expressed surprise at Roberto Firmino’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season. Firmino has been a key player for Liverpool over the last eight years, and his departure is expected to have a significant impact on the club. In this article, we take a closer look at Klopp’s reaction to Firmino’s departure and the striker’s time at Liverpool.
Klopp ‘surprised’ by Firmino’s decision
Firmino had been in talks over a new contract with Liverpool, but he decided to leave the club when his current contract expires in June. Klopp was “surprised” by Firmino’s decision, but he also stated that he respected the striker’s choice. Klopp noted that it was normal for a player to leave a club after a long relationship, and he praised Firmino’s contributions to Liverpool during his time at Anfield.
Firmino’s career at Liverpool
Firmino has been a vital player for Liverpool since joining the club in 2015. The Brazilian striker has scored 108 goals in 354 appearances for Liverpool, and he has been a key player in the club’s successes over the last eight years. Liverpool has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Club World Cup during Firmino’s time at Anfield. He has been an important part of Klopp’s attacking trio, alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
This season, Firmino suffered a calf injury that kept him out for two months following the domestic restart. He returned in February’s derby win over Everton, but he has been limited to five substitute appearances since then, with January signing Cody Gakpo preferred up front alongside Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. However, Firmino came off the bench to score Liverpool’s final goal in the 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United on Sunday.
Positive end to a ‘wonderful story’
Klopp stated that Firmino had told him he now wanted “to bring this wonderful story to a positive end”. Liverpool’s final home game of the season against Aston Villa on 20 May is expected to be an emotional send-off for Firmino. Klopp added that there would be time for goodbyes later in the season, but he expressed confidence that Firmino’s impact on the club would be remembered for a long time to come.
Liverpool fans are disappointed to see Firmino leave the club, but they have expressed gratitude for his contributions to the club’s success. Many fans have taken to social media to thank Firmino for his service to the club, and some have even created tribute videos to honor the Brazilian striker.
Impact on Liverpool’s future
Firmino’s departure will leave a significant void in Liverpool’s attacking lineup. The Brazilian striker’s work rate and ability to link up play have been a key part of Klopp’s tactics, and finding a replacement for him will be a challenge for Liverpool’s manager. However, Liverpool has a talented squad, and Klopp will be looking to build on the club’s recent success as he prepares for the future.
