I wasn’t upset when Brendan Rodgers got sacked because he didn’t know how to use me for Liverpool
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.
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.
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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.
“I was a long way from the parts of the pitch where I could truly make an impact. It was clear that the coach, Brendan Rodgers, didn’t know how to use me. I don’t think he understood my style of play – I definitely never understood his plans for me. Maybe that was because he didn’t really have any.
Following his departure from Liverpool, Rodgers returned to the Premier League with Leicester City, following a stint in Scotland with Celtic, where he would encounter Firmino once again. The two sides met on Boxing Day in 2019 at the King Power Stadium as the Reds cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Foxes, spearheaded by a strong performance from Firmino, who scored two goals in the game.
“I never went towards the opposition’s fans, never taunted rivals, never provoked anyone and always shared the celebrations with team-mates,” he added when referring to his goals against Rodgers and his Leicester side. “But that day at the King Power Stadium, I admit, I was delivering a message to the coach on the other bench, a reminder to Brendan Rodgers that he hadn’t believed in me like the boss [Klopp] did.”
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Official: Liverpool are in talks to make new signing after making contact
Liverpool are confirmed to be in discussions with Colombian 20-year-old Kevin Mantilla.
In late December, Liverpool were said to be tracking the defender, as per a report from AS, and their interest has officially been confirmed by CA Talleres president, Andrés Fassi.
As quoted by La Voz, the 61-year-old said: “It’s true, they have been following him for four months now. And they asked us for information about his physical records.”
Who is Kevin Mantilla?
Mantilla is the latest defender to join Liverpool’s extensive transfer shortlist as Jurgen Klopp targets a new centre-back after Joel Matip’s ACL rupture.
The Cameroonian needs to be replaced, especially with this contract set to expire in less than six months, and Mantilla is now on the Reds’ transfer radar.
The centre-back is just 20 years old and stands at a whopping 1.91m (six foot three). From a physical point of view, Mantilla is well-equipped to deal with the Premier League’s intensity.
His contract with CA Talleres only expires on 31 December 2027 and is represented by the Alinea agency. They mostly represent Colombian players, including Anderson Arroyo and David Ospina.
Why are Liverpool interested?
As already mentioned, Liverpool need a replacement for Matip due to his injury and contract situation.
Stylistically, he is more than suited to Klopp’s style of play.
Much like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Mantilla is an accomplished 1v1 tackler and is more than capable of stopping counter attacks on his own.
His tackling and interceptions stand out but his aerial presence is a major plus. Mantilla is also puts his massive frame to brilliant use, blocking crosses and shots like his life depends on it.
However, he does have a tendency to over-commit to risky challenges that he won’t get away with in the Premier League.
The step up to the English top flight is a difficult one to make but Liverpool never rush signings into the starting lineup unless they are ready.
Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo are perfect examples of this. The latter has finally found his feet at Anfield while Gravenberch is still raw and being eased into life in the Premier League.
When might Liverpool sign Mantilla?
This is only speculation but a deal for the summer could be arranged with CA Talleres.
Given he is relatively unknown and is playing in an obscure league, Liverpool could also be able to secure a bargain fee.
Of course, buying players without European experience is a risk but if there’s a coach that can get the best out of Mantilla, it’s Klopp.
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