Klopp on Firmino Return, Anfield Send-Off

Jurgen Klopp described the ovation Roberto Firmino received from the travelling Kop at the King Power on Monday night as “so cool.” The striker was not part of the squad due to injury, but his team-mates embraced him and pushed him towards the away supporters, who serenaded him with an extended version of ‘Sim Senhor’ that lasted almost 20 minutes. Klopp was then asked about Firmino’s chances of featuring against Aston Villa on Saturday, with it being his last chance to play at Anfield as a Liverpool player. He replied, “I think so. So, we drive home, tomorrow will be a day off, not for him but for the others, then Wednesday he will be in for team training. That’s my information. So now we have to see.” Despite Liverpool still fighting for a top-four finish as they aim to win their final two games and make it nine victories in a row, Klopp is eager to avoid the afternoon becoming a sideshow. He said, “Saturday’s game is a super-difficult game for a variety of reasons. Probably be a farewell around the game for a few players, and then playing for absolutely everything against the second or third-best team in the Premier League for the second part of the season. In between or around or whatever, we have to make sure that we can do both – win the game and show respect, appreciation and love for all the players who will leave in the summer. It will be a special day with a difficult game.”