Roberto Firmino’s comments highlight the growing sense of belief at Anfield

Shai Khullar
19th August 2018
Roberto Firmino

Liverpool supporters will love striker 's latest comments and it highlights the type of mentality Júrgen Klopp has been instilling at the club since his arrival.

The Reds manager emphatically stated in 2015 that supporters of the club must “turn from doubters to believers”, whilst he and his coaching staff get to work at Melwood.

Liverpool's squad has since seen an overhaul, with the likes of , Naby Keita and Alisson amongst others being brought in to the side in 2018.

Few players remain from the original squad that Klopp took over, however one has seen himself become a central figure in the Reds starting eleven.

Firmino, who scored 27 goals in all competitions last season, has seen his attacking partnership with and blossom in to one of the world's best.

The Brazilian is a firm fan's favourite, and his latest comments highlight the confidence that Klopp has managed to create behind the scenes at the club.

“I am optimistic and I believe ­Liverpool are capable of fighting for the greatest success this season,” Firmino told The Mirror.

“I also think we have a better team than last season and that the new ­players will improve the performance of the team.

Roberto Firmino

Image: Liverpool FC/Getty Images

“Of course, we know we have to show it on the field and we know that, for our new players, it is not easy to adapt quickly to a new team. But I always think ­positively.

“We have shown in the last campaign that our dreams can be fulfilled and that we can return to the path of ­winning titles. This year, we must not fail and that is the attitude of the ­players.

“Certainly, my dream is to lift the ­ trophy with Liverpool – and that's what we are trying to do.”

Supporters have enjoyed a sense of a closer relationship with the players this year, with players staying out to interact with fans following pre-season friendlies, notably against in Dublin and at .

Firmino - who was on the pitch for an hour after the Anfield friendly, Liverpool fans' scarves and shirts - epitomises the type of relationship Klopp wanted the supporters to have with the squad.

The former Hoffenheim attacker paid his dues to the support he receives from Liverpool fans, as he declared they are “the best supporters in the world”.

Roberto Firmino v West Ham

Image: Reuters

“When people ask what my ­ambitions are for the rest of my career, I always say that I live in the present,” he said.

“I don't look at more than what we have in front of us in the next few days.

“I'm only interested in Liverpool and winning everything I can with them. We have the best supporters in the world here, they are amazing – and there are Liverpool fans in every part of the planet.

“So we know what it would mean to be champions.”

Firmino – who has been linked with moves at the start of the year – speaks extremely appreciatively of the club, as he lays out his future ambitions with the club, notably winning the Premier League title.

“Everyone hears ­stories about what it means to be a Liverpool player, but, until you live it ­personally, you cannot ­really ­understand it,” he ­insisted.

“In my whole life, I never thought that I would get treated like I do here.

“It's a huge ­responsibility and we can only give ­everything back to the ­supporters that we can.

Roberto firmino

Image: Liverpool FC/Getty Images

“The Premier League is our main challenge, but also Europe, after ­reaching the final against and falling down last season.

“That left us with a bad taste in our mouths, but we have to be patient and go game by game to achieve what we really want this time.”

The Reds are second favourites to the league, despite the impressive nature of Klopp's squad.

Current champions remain firm favourites of the bookies, however Firmino has vowed to try his best to overcome the odds and bring the Premier League trophy to Anfield for the first time.

“I think the battle for the title is going to be very tough and will go until the very last day. That's why we're ­determined to start at the top,” he said.

“The favourites are the usual ones – City, United, and us. I don't think there will be any big surprises.

“But the Premier League is one of the toughest competitions in the world and so much of the battle is in the head. So, let's see what happens.

Roberto firmino

Image: Liverpool FC/Getty Images

“All I can promise our supporters is that we will give every last drop and ­finish the season absolutely empty in a bid to win the title.

“It's the minimum they deserve.”

Liverpool supporters will love Firmino's latest comments, with a sense that this season could be pivotal in their development under Klopp.

There is an air of optimism surrounding Liverpool this season, with new signings Naby Keita, , Alisson and bringing an exciting new dimension to a Reds squad that reached last year's final.

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