FIRMINO: “SALAH WAS FRUSTRATED EVERYONE WITH HIS SELFISHNESS AND SOME OF US HAVE TO LEAVE, IT WAS VERY BAD”

In the midst of the bustling football scene, Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino sheds light on the intricate dynamics between himself, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane in his latest publication, “Si Senor: My Liverpool Years.” This revelation peeks into the world of Liverpool’s renowned trio, offering an insider’s perspective on teamwork amidst personal challenges.

 

UNSPOKEN TENSIONS AND PROFESSIONAL COMPOSURE

Firmino opens up about the subtleties of his relationship with Salah and Mane, emphasising their commitment to professionalism despite not being the closest of friends. Their time at Liverpool was marked by a focus on collective success, overshadowing any underlying friction. The Brazilian striker, often seen as the toe uniting force, played a pivotal role in maintaining harmony within this high-profile group.

A  telling incident unfolded during Liverpool’s 2019 victory against Burnley. Mane’s visible frustration upon being substituted was not just about leaving the pitch early but also a reaction to Salah’s choice to take a shot instead of passing in a crucial moment. This event brought to light the underlying tension, previously simmering behind closed doors.

Firmino’s approach to such moments was to act as a mediator, swiftly resolving conflicts. He notes in his book, “Tense moments would pass quickly. We would be back to assisting each other, celebrating goals as a united front.” His lighthearted demeanor, including a memorable facial expression caught on camera, was his way of reassuring fans that the team’s bond remained strong.

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, did not shy away from addressing the need for team play. Firmino recalls Klopp’s emphasis on passing the ball to better-positioned teammates, a directive seemingly aimed at Salah.

 

He added: “I don’t know if he was aware of it or not, but Salah used to frustrate everyone when he didn’t pass the ball. I knew how to handle that situation better than most. Klopp addressed this issue in front of all of us: when a teammate was in a better position, the ball had to be passed. It was a clear hint aimed at Salah. Over the years, I must say, this aspect of his game improved significantly. He gradually learned to be less selfish and more cooperative.”

Firmino describes Mane as an intense player, prone to highs and lows. Recognizing this, Firmino often sacrificed his own position to alleviate group tension, a testament to his understanding of team dynamics. This selfless approach ensured a smoother functioning of the trio under Klopp’s management.

 

Despite their differences, Firmino insists that Salah and Mane maintained a professional rapport. “They were never best friends, yet never ceased to communicate. Their professionalism was paramount,” he states. This professional ethos was central to their success, even amidst the speculated Egypt-Senegal rivalry.

Football, a game of strategy and skill, often hinges on moments of transition. As Simon Brundish insightfully pointed out, “If you look at the transitions where they’re occurring from, they’re all right in the middle of the pitch.” This central focus has been a game-changer for teams, especially for Nottingham Forest, who have historically been threatened in this area.

 

Daniel Rhodes added, “Last year they could just run straight through the middle of us. Now they’re playing trying to play through the middle as if it was last season and creating nothing.” This shift in strategy has been evident in recent matches, with teams adapting and evolving their tactics. The middle of the pitch, often overlooked, has become a battleground where games are won or lost.

Mohamed Salah’s influence on the pitch is undeniable. His agility, precision, and knack for finding the back of the net have made him a standout player in the Premier League. As the discussion highlighted, Salah is quietly having his best ever season for Liverpool in terms of goals and assists. His shot accuracy, shot value, and XA are all up. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the impact. Every time Salah has the ball, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation, a feeling that something extraordinary is about to happen.

While Salah might be the star of the show, players like Nunez and Szoboszlai are the unsung heroes. As Daniel Rhodes mentioned in the discussion, “Millo dribbled out, got past Nunez, and beat Szoboszlai.” These players, though not as highlighted as Salah, play crucial roles in the team’s overall performance. Their contributions, both defensively and offensively, provide the team with the balance it needs to dominate games.

Football is more than just a game; it’s a reflection of strategy, teamwork, and individual brilliance. Players like Salah, Nunez, and Szoboszlai are testament to this. Their individual contributions, combined with the team’s overall strategy, make for a compelling watch.

Moreover, teams like Nottingham Forest are a reminder that evolution is crucial. Adapting to new strategies, learning from past mistakes, and constantly improving are what make a team truly great. As the Premier League season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these strategies play out and which teams come out on top.

The world of football is ever-evolving, with teams like Nottingham Forest adapting and changing their strategies to stay ahead of the game. With players like Salah, Nunez, and Szoboszlai making their mark, the future of football looks promising. As fans, analysts, and enthusiasts, all we can do is watch, analyze, and enjoy the beautiful game.