Firmino: I'm working hard to be ready
Roberto Firmino has explained how his two substitute appearances for Liverpool to date have only served to whet his appetite even further for a full debut.
The summer signing from Hoffenheim has been introduced from the bench in the second half of both of the Reds’ Barclays Premier League matches so far against Stoke City and Bournemouth.
Now Firmino is eagerly anticipating a first start for his new side, but acknowledges the strong competition within Brendan Rodgers’ squad means no-one is guaranteed a place in the manager’s line-up from the off.
He said: “My debut was a great experience. The atmosphere was special and my adrenaline was very high but I will be happy to feel that a couple of times more.
“I’m working hard towards that [starting a game]. Obviously that is my aim, but there’s a healthy competition in the squad right now and the manager knows who should be starting games.
“So all I can do is keep on working so I will be ready when I am given the chance to start.”
Liverpool moved to sign Firmino while he was on Copa America duty with Brazil in Chile earlier this summer.
And given the Reds' Samba connections, the 23-year-old admits he didn’t have to think twice before deciding to make the switch from the Bundesliga to Merseyside.
“I knew about Liverpool’s interest before the tournament,” said Firmino. “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 straight away.
“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.”
Firmino arrived at Anfield having spent in excess of four years in Europe with Hoffenheim.
Liverpool’s new No.11 is confident the experience he picked up from the German game will stand him in good stead as he aims to make the transition into English football.
“I am very proud of being Brazilian but I am also thankful for having the chance to play in Germany for four and a half years,” he explained.
“I have completely changed the way I play football because Germany is a tougher, faster game which is more tactical with tighter marking.
“It was a great experience to have a chance to play in Germany for that time and, while I’m very proud to be a Brazilian player, I consider myself to be half Brazilian and half German on the pitch.”
Firmino will be hoping to play a part as Liverpool return to action this evening against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Reds will be out to strike an early psychological blow to one of their top-of-the-table rivals – and our new Brazilian forward insists sights should be set high.
He said: “Obviously Liverpool is a great club and as a great club Liverpool has to be fighting for big things.
“We have to be at the top so we will be fighting for a Champions League spot for next year and hoping to finish as high as we can in the Premier League.”