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Football news - Liverpool's Klopp backs 'unbelievably valuable' Firmino after change of position
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Published 26/11/2018 at 13:58 GMT
Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Roberto Firmino's goal-scoring form is not a problem and has explained the Brazilian's new role in the Liverpool team.
Eurosport
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Firmino scored the final goal in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday - his first in the league since September and only his fifth overall this season.
But part of the reason behind his relatively poor strike-rate has been the more advanced role of Mohamed Salah, meaning the 27-year-old has been dropping further back into midfield to link play.
And Klopp insists the lack of goals is not an issue for him, despite Firmino notching 27 last season.
The German manager told Liverpool's website: “He will never come to me because people are saying something is missing and ask: ‘Boss, can I play in my old position again?’"
Klopp also revealed that he is not alone in his appreciation of the Brazilian.
“In the last home game against Fulham, I had 20 German coaches in the stadium. Most of them were friends of mine, and I know them all," he added.
“They watched the game. I’m not sure what the critics were saying about Bobby Firmino after the game, but when I saw the coaches later and we had drinks together, they were like ‘Bobby Firmino... what a player!’
“It’s because of the small things he is doing, he is working hard, he is here, he is there, he has five goals now and he opens 5,000 gaps for everybody. It’s about how you see it.”
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