He is a very important player for us- Jurgen Klopp on Roberto Firmino

Published at :November 6, 2018 at 4:58 PM

Modified at :November 6, 2018 at 4:58 PM

Firmino opened the scoring for the Reds last time they played the Serbian league champions at Anfield.

Roberto Firmino has been an outstanding player for Liverpool since the last campaign. As previously described by manager Jurgen Klopp, Firmino is "the engine" of his Liverpool side which is quite true considering his superb work rate. Since arriving at Anfield in 2015, the Brazilian has scored 38 goals in his 114 appearances at the club.

However, he has struggled to be at his best in the recent weeks. The 27-year-old has scored just one goal in his last nine games. Also, the forward has played more matches than any other Premier League player since the start of last season. Thus, lack of rest might work as an explanation for his bad form. But Klopp has denied any such suggestions to allow Firmino some rest.

“No. he’s hard-working, sometimes better, sometimes a bit less, but good. That’s how it is,” he said ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League tie against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday.

“It will be all fine for sure. If he didn’t score for the last few games the... One in nine? All competitions? Didn’t he score against Red Star? That was the one goal he scored? Okay, good.,” said the German in a surprised tone.

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“I am not concerned. Things like these happen. He is a very important player for us. I was not really happy with our defending in the first half in London and he was involved in that. That’s what I’m talking about,” he added.

“In the end, everything will be fine. We know about these situations. Sometimes it is clicking easier that in other moments, that’s all. There are no concerns.”

The former Borussia Dortmund manager has always been supportive of Firmino. In fact, the way Bobby - as called popularly by the Kop, has performed under Klopp, especially since the last season, has helped him glue his place in starting line up. The manager and his staff value the player’s role in the team, a lot.

Further, when asked whether Firmino will be rested for the Champions League game, Klopp replied, “Not really, but of course it is something we think about 100%. Constantly, actually.”

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“It often leads to the decision that he still has to play. He starts or comes on, sometimes it is better to come in the game later when all the rest are a bit tired but we will see how we handle it.”

Currently, on top of Group C, Liverpool will look forward to seal a win in Serbia to earn some breathing space and edge closer to the Round of 16 qualifications.