All the latest Liverpool news as Roberto Firmino opens up on his strained relationship with former Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers manger of Liverpool talks with Roberto Firmino during a training session at Melwood Training Ground.
Brendan Rodgers manger of Liverpool talks with Roberto Firmino during a training session at Melwood Training Ground.
Roberto Firmino has lifted the lid on his poor relationship with former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers during their time together at Anfield.
Firmino became a fan favourite with the Liverpool faithful and made over 350 appearances for the Reds, scoring 111 goals and adding a further 72 assists. Despite his strong performances – prior to his exit to the Saudi Pro League last summer – under the guidance of current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, it wasn’t always plain sailing for Firmino at the club.
The versatile forward arrived from TSG Hoffeinheim for around £29million back in 2015, while the club was still managed by Rodgers. It came during a transfer window which also saw the likes of Christian Benteke, Danny Ings and Taiwo Awoniyi arrive through the door.
Firmino would go on to struggle in the early days of his Liverpool career, as he failed to nail a regular spot or role in the starting line-up during Rodgers’ reign. In his book, ‘Si Senor: My Liverpool Years’, the Brazilian forward recalled his strained relationship with Rodgers, where he claimed he didn’t understand his style of play. “On the pitch, I had a terrible start that left me wondering how this was going to work out,” he said.
“I rarely played as a striker and when I did it was as a winger, with Christian Benteke playing through the middle. I remember games against Manchester United and Arsenal where I played on the right side of midfield, with the responsibility to defend more than play; I spent so much of my time dropping so deep and so wide I was practically a full-back.
