‘We know the gap’: Klopp has just hinted ‘exceptional’ Liverpool player won’t play against City

Add as preferred source on Google

Jurgen Klopp has been speaking in his press conference ahead of Liverpool v Manchester City this weekend and mentioned Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian forward was once again one of the stars of the show as Liverpool hammered Rangers in midweek. Firmino scored twice and laid on another before being replaced by Diogo Jota. At the moment, Firmino is the one Reds attacker producing consistently.

However, speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with City this weekend, Klopp hinted he might not actually start Firmino, admitting he has to prepare his team in a different way than he did for Rangers.

“Bobby is in a really good moment, really happy for him, really, really happy for him. Bobby numbers wise, it is [good]. He is an exceptional player, I don’t think anyone has said it as much as I’ve said it,” Klopp said.

“But it’s not like he was flying in all the games. We didn’t have the best start in our lives for different reasons, but scoring two at Rangers helps. I loved the two goals. Nothing changed for Bobby, he has always played when he is fit and he always contributed when he played. But we know the gap between Rangers and Man City so we have to prepare the game in a different way.

TBR’s View: Firmino Will Be Unlucky To Not Play

Klopp’s comments are interesting here. Firmino is clearly loved by the German manager but this was a hardly a resounding ‘yes he will play’ message from the Liverpool boss.

It would be harsh on Firmino to not be selected. He’s scored five in the last four games and against Rangers looked like being the main man he’s been in previous seasons.

However, Klopp does have Salah and Jota to call on, so he could well change things around a bit.