Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told to stop ‘making excuses’ and fix transfer issue now

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will set record straight with Villa

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp needs to stop “making excuses” and replace Roberto Firmino in the summer transfer window, according to Darren Bent. The Brazilian has been a favourite under Klopp ever since he took charge at Anfield in October 2015.

Often described as the key to unlocking both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Firmino has come under criticism this campaign.

While Salah and Mane often steal the limelight, Firmino has scored his fair share of goals over the years.

In 2018, Firmino finished with 25 goals in all competitions, 10 of which came in the Champions League as Liverpool were defeated in the final by Real Madrid.

But the goals have dried up since and he’s only managed six this campaign and has had his place in the starting line-up challenged by Diogo Jota.

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Klopp has repeatedly jumped to the defence of Firmino, stating back in November that he was “embarassed” at having to lend his support to the 29-year-old.

“Who is with us I don’t have to say one word about Bobby Firmino and how important he was for us, I don’t waste time with that,” said the Reds boss.

“Who is not with us I don’t care if they know about it to be honest. He was in so many games the difference maker without scoring maybe, I’m not sure, but with scoring as well in other games, so I would feel really embarrassed if I had to mention now the qualities of Bobby Firmino.

“I can’t help these people, sorry. If they don’t see it I cannot help them. That’s how it is.”

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However, Bent believes Firmino’s form in front of goal should be a growing concern for Klopp and now may be the time to make a change.

“I know at one stage his hold up play and the way he brought players into the game, people were making excuses for him about his poor goal return,” he told talkSPORT.

“But now, it’s time to bring someone in. He could play as a No.10, but then you have to take one of the legs out of the midfield in [Jordan] Henderson, [Georginio] Wijnaldum, Fabinho. Where is he going to fit in?

“So now you need to go out and get another centre-forward. Someone who’s got the pedigree, the calibre to score goals and do everything else.

“Maybe it’s time for Firmino to play second fiddle to someone.

“There were a couple of seasons where he was very good, he won the league, he was brilliant.

“But you can see already now he’s starting to tail off a bit.”

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