Exclusive: Jurgen Klopp on why Roberto Firmino proof you shouldn't judge signings too soon
10:36, 10 MAY 2016 UPDATED 12:54, 10 MAY 2016
BY JAMES PEARCE
Liverpool boss believes Firmino is evidence signings need time and patience
Liverpool FC v Villarreal in Europa League Semi Final Second Leg at Anfield. Roberto Firmino
Jurgen Klopp believes the exciting rise of Roberto Firmino should act as a warning not to judge Liverpool signings too soon.
The Brazilian attacker initially struggled to make an impression following his £29million move from Hoffenheim last summer.
inRead invented by Teads
Firmino needed 14 games to get off the mark but under Klopp’s guidance he has blossomed.
Sunday’s strike against Watford was his 11th goal of the campaign in all competitions.
He has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than any other Liverpool player with 10 goals and seven assists.
Klopp knew he had inherited a special talent when he took over at Anfield last October.
“It wasn’t a surprise to me when I heard people questioning him. That’s how it is in Germany too,” Klopp told the ECHO.
“You don’t watch too much German football. You get a player from Hoffenheim in Germany and everyone thought: ‘oh, a nice signing Liverpool’.
“But not many people here knew him because he wasn’t from Bayern, he wasn’t from Dortmund.
“I knew about Roberto. When I heard that Liverpool had signed him I thought: ‘how have they done
“Now with Roberto you can see the confidence in his work. All the players are more confident than before because they’ve had more time working together.
“We’ve had an intense time but it’s been a good time together. We know a lot more about each other.
“Watford was the team’s 60th game of the season – that’s unbelievable. For me, it’s only been 49.
“What we can learn from Roberto’s situation going forward when it comes to next season’s signings is wait to make judgements. Don’t be too quick to judge players.”
10:36, 10 MAY 2016 UPDATED 12:54, 10 MAY 2016
BY JAMES PEARCE
Liverpool boss believes Firmino is evidence signings need time and patience
Liverpool FC v Villarreal in Europa League Semi Final Second Leg at Anfield. Roberto Firmino
Jurgen Klopp believes the exciting rise of Roberto Firmino should act as a warning not to judge Liverpool signings too soon.
The Brazilian attacker initially struggled to make an impression following his £29million move from Hoffenheim last summer.
inRead invented by Teads
Firmino needed 14 games to get off the mark but under Klopp’s guidance he has blossomed.
Sunday’s strike against Watford was his 11th goal of the campaign in all competitions.
He has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than any other Liverpool player with 10 goals and seven assists.
Klopp knew he had inherited a special talent when he took over at Anfield last October.
“It wasn’t a surprise to me when I heard people questioning him. That’s how it is in Germany too,” Klopp told the ECHO.
“You don’t watch too much German football. You get a player from Hoffenheim in Germany and everyone thought: ‘oh, a nice signing Liverpool’.
“But not many people here knew him because he wasn’t from Bayern, he wasn’t from Dortmund.
“I knew about Roberto. When I heard that Liverpool had signed him I thought: ‘how have they done
“Now with Roberto you can see the confidence in his work. All the players are more confident than before because they’ve had more time working together.
“We’ve had an intense time but it’s been a good time together. We know a lot more about each other.
“Watford was the team’s 60th game of the season – that’s unbelievable. For me, it’s only been 49.
“What we can learn from Roberto’s situation going forward when it comes to next season’s signings is wait to make judgements. Don’t be too quick to judge players.”
