Recently, in an exclusive interview, Firmino stated that Klopp is the finest manager he has ever worked with and expressed his eagerness to be selected for the Brazilian national team once more.
You previously played in Saudi Arabia and now play in Qatar. What differences do you perceive between these two leagues?
Football is an immensely popular sport in both nations, with supporters consistently packing the stadiums. This holds great significance for us Brazilians, as they function like a twelfth man on the pitch, perpetually cheering us on.
Each season, the competitiveness of Qatari football continues to rise, which delights me. This is evident from the many excellent players who previously featured in Europe and now represent clubs in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. However, I believe the Qatari league still has room for improvement to match the standards of European leagues and the Saudi league.
What prompted you to accept the challenge of playing in Qatar? What were your first impressions of the country?
I'm playing for a club steeped in history and honours, and it feels fantastic to be here – I'm absolutely delighted. I received an incredibly warm welcome, one of the best in my career, which made me very happy.
You enjoyed tremendous success alongside Mané and Salah at Liverpool. How is your relationship with them now?
Those years playing alongside them were truly exceptional. Throughout my eight seasons there, we were consistently victorious, crafting a glorious chapter in the club's history. We still keep in touch occasionally, and I feel immensely honoured to have shared the pitch with such outstanding players.
Which is more important to you: winning the Champions League or the Premier League?
Winning the Champions League is incredibly difficult. It's a competition featuring the very best clubs in the world, representing the pinnacle every athlete aspires to reach, on par with the World Cup. Every player dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy, and I've been fortunate enough to achieve that dream. I'm immensely grateful for that.
Do you still follow Liverpool?
Certainly. They started the season well, though their form has dipped recently. I'm confident they'll regroup swiftly and fight for every trophy.
Liverpool now boast two top-tier strikers: Isak and Ekiti. Some even suggest Ekiti could succeed Firmino. How should we assess them?
They've already proven themselves as top-tier players. I wasn't familiar with Ekiti before he joined Frankfurt. He's demonstrated his potential through goals and performances, and seems incredibly eager to become a legendary figure in the club's history. I wish them every success – this is merely the beginning of their Liverpool careers.
What are your memories of Klopp? Do you think he'll manage again?
He's the finest manager I've encountered. My time working with him remains vivid in my memory, and I count myself fortunate to have served under him.
I learnt immensely from him, and I believe I lived up to his expectations. I imagine he's taking a break now before returning to management. Whether that will be at Liverpool is something only he can say.
Your last appearance for Brazil was in 2022. Do you still aspire to be selected again?
I want to return, even if it's for Qatar. I yearn to wear the Brazil shirt once more and will strive for it – I believe it's achievable. To make that happen, I must continue training diligently, maintain peak fitness, stay injury-free, and give my all for my club. If all these elements align, I'll have a chance.
Your contract with Al-Sadd runs until 2027, when you'll be 36. Will this be the final club of your career? Do you still harbour plans to return to Europe, or envision ending your career in Brazil?
It's difficult to say. I want to focus on my club, doing everything I can to help the team score goals, provide assists, and win trophies. Today, I'm only thinking about what's here; tomorrow's matters are left to fate.