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| Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (right) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mates Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino during the Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich. Picture date: Sunday May 16, 2021. |
Liverpool's Roberto Firmino has dismissed any suggestion he 'sacrifices' himself in favour of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
The trio have become arguably the most dangers front three in world football, but the Brazilian has scored less than both Mane and Salah in recent seasons.
The 30-year-old wasn't on the scoresheet in Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United last weekend, but manager Jurgen Klopp said people will 'write books' about the way he interprets the false nine position.
When asked how it feels to sacrifice himself and his own desire to score goals for the benefit of the team, Firmino admitted that wasn't the case.
"I don't see it that way," he told Globo Esporte. "Each one has a very well defined role on the field.
"This is a team that has been playing together for some time and we know each other very well.
"We play for each other for Liverpool and that makes a difference."
Firmino may have scored less, but he isn't short of goals by any stretch. Since his arrival in 2015, the forward has scored 93 goals in just over 300 appearances for the Reds.
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| Liverpool's Senegalese striker Sadio Mane (L), Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (R) and Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (C) warm up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 17, 2021. |
He's flourished under Klopp and has often been described as 'the engine' of this Liverpool team. But his development is down to the boss himself.
Firmino added: "In addition to being an excellent coach, Klopp is a sensational guy, with a huge heart. And I can say that, if I'm a better player today, it's a lot thanks to him.
"Today, I feel comfortable playing in more than one position, I have more freedom to move and also help with marking."
Despite a disappointing spell in front of goal last term, Firmino is already three goals away from matching last season's tally in just nine appearances.
