Roberto Firmino

[redmike65]

From the papers this evening

“I knew about Liverpool’s interest before the tournament,” Firmino says. “And I instantly thought it would be an interesting idea for me because I knew Lucas and Coutinho were playing here. I had the chance to play alongside Philippe for the national team so I spoke to him about Liverpool and I knew it would be a great opportunity for me. He said it’s a great club with a great squad and a great team spirit and now I’ve discovered that for myself because the players have given me a really warm welcome.”

[Shaggy]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/11819354/Liverpool-news-Spectre-of-Alexis-Sanchez-made-sure-Reds-got-their-man-with-Firmino.html

Liverpool news: Spectre of Alexis Sanchez made sure Reds got their man with Firmino

Acutely aware of growing list of targets who rejected Anfield for assortment of reasons, Ian Ayre was determined that Firmino would not join gallery

By Chris Bascombe10:30PM BST 23 Aug 2015

Unlike Arsenal’s Alexis Sánchez, Roberto Firmino is the one player Liverpool were determined would not get away.

Acutely aware of the growing list of targets who had rejected Anfield for an assortment of reasons including cash, Champions League football and London life, Liverpool’s chief executive, Ian Ayre, was determined that Firmino would not join the gallery. The shadow of Sánchez loomed over all of last season, and Liverpool could not make the same mistake again.

Ayre booked into the Sheraton Hotel in Chile, the base for Brazil’s Copa America squad, having flown to Santiago in June under the impression that both Manchester United and Manchester City were readying a rival offer.

Firmino admits that he was flattered by Ayre’s determination to put the pen in his hand. “I wasn’t aware of any other concrete offers for me, I only know that Liverpool were the only one keen to sign me and I wanted to come here,” Firmino said. “It was interesting when the chief executive went to the Copa America to sign me, but to me everything was already agreed so it was just the formalities. I first knew about Liverpool’s interest a few months earlier and I instantly thought it would be an interesting idea for me.”

Liverpool maintain that the deal was not so advanced. Whatever the truth it is further evidence of the club trying to rectify previous transfer mistakes, although where the midfielder will fit into Brendan Rodgers’s formation remains to be seen. Of the seven summer recruits, Firmino is the one the manager was convinced to sign on the basis of exemplary scouting reports rather than because he had pleaded himself – a contrast to the likes of Christian Benteke, for example.

Firmino’s pursuit of match fitness will determine if he starts at Arsenal on Monday night, but it would be a major call for Rodgers to hand him his first Premier League start having felt that he was not ready to line up against Bournemouth a week ago.

“I’m working hard towards starting,” said the Brazilian, who was signed for £29 million from Hoffenheim. “Obviously that is my aim but there’s a healthy competition in the squad so all I can do is keep on working so I will be ready when I am given the chance.”

Rodgers said that easing Firmino in was necessary. “He’s looking good in training, as each week goes by he’s getting fitter and stronger,” the manager said. “It was a difficult game for him to come into the other night. He’s coming into the game at high speed. But he’s a real worker. I’ve been impressed with his quality – his touch and all of that which is natural. His ability to work and press the game was one of the key things for us when we were bringing him in. He’s come from a league which is physical also so he will certainly be in contention over the coming weeks.”

When he is unleashed, Liverpool will hope Firmino is the catalyst at Anfield that Sánchez is at the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal’s Chilean will offer another reminder of what might have been when Liverpool face him on Monday.

“They are totally different players,” Rodgers said. “Their profile is different in terms of their physicality. Sánchez is a different sort of type and maybe a little bit quicker. The similarity is both players are aggressive, want to score goals and are team players.”

[fah-q]

I don't like the sound of this:

Of the seven summer recruits, Firmino is the one the manager was convinced to sign on the basis of exemplary scouting reports rather than because he had pleaded himself – a contrast to the likes of Christian Benteke, for example.

[kubrickscube]

Because Brendan doesn't do foreign footy, obvs. "If it's not on MOTD, I'm not interested." Actual Brendan quote.

[redmike65]

I don't like the sound of this:

Of the seven summer recruits, Firmino is the one the manager was convinced to sign on the basis of exemplary scouting reports rather than because he had pleaded himself – a contrast to the likes of Christian Benteke, for example.

Beyond from the speculative nature of that clip we all know that Rodgers prefers to sign those with whom is is familiar. He knew we needed a proper RB and got one he would have been watching all season - MOTD as our scouts!

[Mostar]

He's ****ing lightweight. I think it will be a good 6 months before we see the best of him if not longer. The boy has talent, of that I have no doubts, its all too quick and frantic for him so far. I'm happy to keep introducing him from the bench. He will learn a lot from being pitch side and watching at close quarters. If he dresses like he does off the pitch,the guy has confidence, arrogance etc he will be a great signing given time.

Agree that he will need time to adopt to physical side of playing in PL but I do think he'll be able to just much quicker than 6 months.

I didn't take that long to Coutinho to show what he could do.

[Mostar]

Thought he had a good game.

Looks like he's getting more comfortable playing in PL, tracked back, fought for the ball etc and his link up play with Coutinho will be something to watch.

Should have had an assist as that cross to Benteke was spot on.

[SB]

I was pleased with what I saw of him tonight. He'll become a crowd favourite I'm sure of it.

[G]

Opinions eh!

I thought he was anonymous. Needs to keep playing to get up to speed though. Great ball to Benteke.

[badpiggy]

He definitely hasn't hit the ground running etc, but I think once he gets to know the players around him, he'll be excellent. He's obviously unsure of his role right now but that'll come. It's unfair to compare him to Suarez but I hope he'll be a Sanchez type for us.

[SB]

Opinions eh!

I thought he was anonymous. Needs to keep playing to get up to speed though. Great ball to Benteke.

Oh I'd only give him a 6.5 scorecard on the whole but it was a promising start against one of the best teams away from home

[rudedog]

Opinions eh!

I thought he was anonymous. Needs to keep playing to get up to speed though. Great ball to Benteke.

He didn't do too much wrong but didn't stand out either. Its early days yet though - I'm sure once we have Sturridge back and better movement up front we will see the best of him.

[Shaggy]

Looks a bit inhibited which is perfectly natural. You can see he's got quality though. I think his best role is off a striker but it doesn't look like he's gonna get many chances there in this 4-3-3.

[redmike65]

I was pleased with what I saw of him tonight. He'll become a crowd favourite I'm sure of it.

as the first half progressed he clearly grew into the game. Played some fine balls, started to chase things down a bit more and then the inevitable gassing in the 2nd half. He'll be fine.

[Chris]

Thought he did pretty well, puts in a shift aswell, that Benteke sitter was him closing down and then his cross. Nearly scored too! I like him, he'll be a god here, no doubt about that.