Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has claimed that he is not worried about the competition for starting places from Diogo Jota.
Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, as relayed by the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino has claimed that he is unfazed by the challenge posed by fellow attacker Diogo Jota for a starting berth.
Firmino has been with Liverpool since 2015, having arrived from TSG Hoffenheim. Having made a slow start to life at Anfield, the 29-year-old has thrived under Jurgen Klopp and become an integral member of the first-team setup. To date, he has made 297 appearances for the Reds, scoring 90 goals and setting up 69 more.
However, Firmino has seen his form take a hit over the past couple of seasons, which has eventually led to him having had to share game-time with Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward arrived at Anfield from Wolves in the summer of 2020 and has shown great potential, chipping in with goals on a regular basis.
In fact, the Portuguese has started five of Liverpool’s six Premier League games this season with Firmino starting the other, although the Brazilian did miss a couple of games with injuries. Nonetheless, as things stand, Jota seems to be ahead of the 29-year-old in the pecking order, but that does not worry Firmino.
“I’m chilled. Everybody that plays they always look to give their all to Liverpool and those that have been playing, they have been doing a fantastic job. That has to continue from everybody, with the aim of helping the team to secure wins, helping each other to form a victorious team,” he said.
Firmino also spoke about the debate on club vs country that is raging while also expressing his desire to make a return to the Brazil national team after missing out on selection for the upcoming set of fixtures in October.
“It’s always a pleasure and pride to defend my country, I’m thankful to God to always have been given the opportunity to be part of the national team and I want to be in all of the call-ups. I always look to give my all when I play for Liverpool, to be in full fitness and ultimately the opportunity will come. I will continue to work hard so that next time that opportunity comes, I can be present in the next call-up,” he said.
