Liverpool boss Klopp plays down rumours of striker leaving

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down rumours suggesting that striker Roberto Firmino could leave the club this summer. 

The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to Serie A side Juventus, while Newcastle United have also emerged as a potential suitor for the forward.

Klopp has insisted the rumours aren’t true, though, claiming that the Brazil international has an ‘essential’ role to play for his side during the upcoming season.

As reported by 90min, the German has insisted that Firmino will not be leaving this summer.

“Bobby is crucial for us,” he said in a press conference ahead of his side’s Community Shield tie against Manchester City.

Firmino has been linked with a move away from Anfield

“Bobby is the heart and soul of this team. The way we played in the last few years was only possible because of Bobby.

“That’s why I’m really happy he could train the majority of the time here in the pre-season so far and everything looks really good.

“I am absolutely fine and, for me, there’s no doubt about his quality. All the rest, we will see how this year goes, but yes, he is essential for us.”

Firmino has been crucial to much of Liverpool’s success during his time at Anfield, scoring 98 goals and providing 74 assists in 327 games.

His playing time has decreased recently, though, and he started just ten Premier League matches last season.