Roberto Firmino Signs Off ‘Wonderful’ Anfield Story With A Goal

Roberto Firmno signed off at Anfield with a goal in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. A goal that meant little in terms of Liverpool’s season, but meant a lot for the departing Brazilian who has defined this team during its period of success under Jürgen Klopp.

It did mean Liverpool isn’t quite yet out of the race to qualify for the Champions League, but it’s unlikely that Newcastle or Manchester United will slip up enough to relinquish one of those qualification places.

Liverpool has participated in the Champions League for the last six of the eight seasons Firmino has spent at Anfield, during which time he has won every top trophy on offer in the club game, including the Champions League itself.

Looking back to the start of Firmino’s Liverpool career shows just how far the club has come during his and Klopp’s time there.

Firmino made his debut as a substitute in a 1-0 win at Stoke City on August 9, 2015, replacing Jordon Ibe—the then highly thought-of Liverpool youngster, but one who is now currently without a club at the age of 27.

Firmino’s home debut came in similar circumstances, replacing the same player in a 1-0 win, this time against Bournemouth.

The striker on both those days was Christian Benteke who was preferred by Liverpool’s then-manager Brendan Rodgers.

It’s safe to say, given the way Liverpool operated at the time, Firmino was signed for Rodgers rather than by him, whereas Benteke was a Rodgers choice.

Rodgers didn’t really know what to do with the Brazilian, playing him on the right wing or in other unfamiliar roles.

It was a time when the relationship between the club’s recruitment and coaching staff was disjointed. The manager had been given more freedom in the transfer market on the back of the club’s impressive title challenge in 2014, but results declined after this, leading to Rodgers’ sacking in October 2015.

The arrival of Klopp in the same month was a godsend for Firmino, who was ideal for the style of counter-pressing football the German wanted to play.

They worked on a role that would be optimal for the Brazilian who went from being a misfit under Rodgers to indispensable under Klopp.

Not only was it the role that suited Firmino best, but it was also one that was key to how one of the best Liverpool teams of all-time operated.

Firmino began his final home game for Liverpool on the bench. When he came on to replace Luis Diaz, it marked a 354th appearance for the club under Klopp—more than any other player during the German manager’s tenure.

It was fitting that Firmino scored as part of this send-off, flying through the air to get something on the excellent cross Mohamed Salah made with the outside of his left boot.

Klopp has seen Firmino grow into one of the most important players in Liverpool’s history and has also got to know his family during that time.

“I’m feeling emotional,” Klopp said after the game. “I saw his [Firmino’s] kids [on the pitch after the game].

“I’m not sure, maybe the eldest one is older than seven probably, that means I’ve known them all since they were babies.

“Bobby [Firmino] comes on and plays top football, is between the lines, and scores a fantastic goal. It’s a wonderful story and a well-deserved story.”