Jurgen Klopp has claimed that it is essential that Liverpool tie down Roberto Firmino to a new long-term deal, as reported in the Independent.
The Reds’ are currently in talks with the Brazilian forward’s representatives over a new and improved deal to reward him for a fantastic season with the club. The 26-year old has scored 22 goals and contributed with 11 assists this season, as well as catching the eye with his general play and his solid work rate.
Firmino’s currently deal runs until the summer of 2020, and the proposed new deal would significantly raise his current £100-a-week wage to bring him in line with the club’s highest earners.
Talking about Firmino’s importance to his set-up, Klopp said;
It is very important for both sides. I think everything we are doing, the way we play, the way we give him the opportunity constantly to play, he deserves that.
He deserves that because his work-rate is outstanding but it helped him a lot to step up. He became a different player here. Other teams can say ‘Hmmm, he’s really good’ but it is not sure they will play the same way and use him as a nine or a ten or they’ll use him out on the wings.
You need players who are good on the ball and have Roberto’s football intelligence. But of course it is important to keep these players who are at a good age and when there is still space for improvement. It is clear – there is no doubt we want to do that with the contract.
Klopp also credited Firmino’s performance levels this season as helping to lessen the impact made by Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona in January. Klopp continued;
Roberto was always a dominant player, that’s why he drops into midfield and gets the ball and lose a few balls where you have a heart attack but then he wins it back and starts an attack.
It is not the biggest difference but there are a few decisive differences in the last few games. Maybe the biggest compliment is that nobody thought in the last few games ‘with Phil it would have been different’.
I really don’t want to throw dirt after Phil because there is no need and everything is fine, but it’s just normal. We played fantastic football with Phil as well. The team needed to step up without him. It is another way to play football. I always hoped it would not be an issue.
