34-year-old Firmino: Klopp is the best coach I have ever encountered and wants to participate in the World Cup

Sports 4:11pm, 5 November 2025 113

Foreign media FLASHSCORE had an exclusive interview with former Liverpool player Firmino, who talked about Klopp, who had worked with Firmino at Liverpool. Firmino also talked about his still dream of returning to the Brazilian national team as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

After the end of last season, the 34-year-old Firmino left the Saudi Jeddah National Team and went to Qatar to join the Al-Saad team. So far, he has contributed 2 goals and 1 assist in 8 games. At Jeddah National, he helped the team win the AFC Champions League championship and created team history.

The following is the complete content of the interview👇

You used to play in Saudi Arabia and now you play in Qatar. What do you think is the difference between the two leagues?

"Football is a very popular sport in both countries and fans always fill the stadiums. Football means a lot to us Brazilians; they are like the twelfth player, always cheering."

"The competitiveness of Qatari football is constantly improving, which makes me very happy This can be seen from the many excellent players who have played in Europe and now play for teams in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. But I think the Qatar league has to improve to reach the level of the European League and the Saudi League."

What prompted you to accept the challenge of playing in Qatar? What was your first impression of Qatar?

"I play for a club with a long history and a lot of honors here. It feels great to be here and I am very happy. I received a warm welcome. This is one of the best welcomes I have received in my career. This makes me very happy."

You were very successful at Liverpool with Mane and Salah. How is your relationship now?

"It was great to play alongside them for those years. During my eight years we were a winning team and created a great history together. We are still in contact occasionally. I am very honored to play alongside these two stars."

Which is more important to you, winning the Champions League or the Premier League?

"Winning the Champions League is very difficult. This is a competition that brings together many top clubs. It is the pinnacle that every athlete aspires to reach, on par with the World Cup. Every athlete dreams of winning the Champions League, and I have realized this dream. I am very grateful for this."

Do you still follow Liverpool?

"Of course. They performed well at the beginning of the season and now their form has declined, but I believe they will soon regain their strength and go all out to compete for all trophies."

Liverpool now has two top forwards: Isaac and Ekitic. There is even talk that Ekitic may become Firmino's successor. How should we evaluate them?

"They have proven themselves to be top players. I didn't know Ekitic before he joined Eintracht Frankfurt. He has shown his potential with goals and performances, and they both seem very eager to join the ranks of Liverpool Football Club legends."

"I wish them all the best. This is just the beginning of their careers at Liverpool."

What are your memories of Klopp? Do you think he will coach a team again?

"He is the best coach I have ever encountered. I still have vivid memories of the time I spent working with him. I am honored to have worked with him."

"I learned a lot from him, and I feel that I have lived up to his expectations. I think he is taking a break now and will return to coaching later. As for whether it is Liverpool, only he knows."

The last time you played for the Brazilian national team was in 2022. Do you want to be selected again?

"I want to come back, even if it is to play in the Qatar League. I am eager to put on the Selecao jersey again, I will work hard for it, and I believe it can happen. In order to do this, I need to continue training, maintain good competitive shape, stay healthy, and do my best for my club. If all this can be achieved, I will have a chance."

Your contract with Al-Saad expires in 2027, when you will be 36 years old. Will this be the last club of your career? Do you still plan to return to Europe, or finish your career in Brazil?

"It's hard to say. I want to focus on my current club and do my best to help the team score goals, win titles and provide assists. Today I only think about things here; tomorrow's things will be left to God."