RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesLiverpool legend reveals Isak advice and makes Anfield return promise
Firmino offers Isak valuable Liverpool advice
Roberto Firmino has urged Alexander Isak to remain patient and positive as Liverpool’s record signing attempts to establish himself at Anfield.
Isak arrived from Newcastle United for £125 million, but injuries and inconsistent form restricted the Sweden international to four goals in his first 23 appearances. Such numbers inevitably attract scrutiny, particularly when attached to the most expensive transfer in Premier League history.
Yet Firmino understands that playing as Liverpool’s No 9 involves more than finishing chances. It demands composure, intelligence and an ability to carry the expectations of a stadium that has celebrated some of football’s finest forwards.
Speaking to James Pearce in an original interview for The Athletic, Firmino offered Isak a reassuring message.
“Alex has to stay positive,” Firmino said. “All strikers go through difficult periods, but he’s already proved in previous years that he’s one of the best in the Premier League.
“There’s always pressure when you play for a club as big as Liverpool, especially when they pay a lot of money to sign you, but he just needs to relax, and I’m sure the goals will come.”
Firmino believes injuries made it unfair to assess Isak solely on his difficult first campaign. A disrupted season denied the forward rhythm, while Liverpool’s wider problems hardly created ideal conditions for a new striker to flourish.
“You can’t judge him on last season, because he had injuries and missed so many games,” Firmino explained. “It was a tough season for the club in general. But this is a new start with a new manager, and I’m sure he will grow in confidence as he gets more used to the players around him and gets more chances.”
Photo: IMAGO
Anfield memories remain precious for Firmino
Few modern Liverpool players have forged a bond with supporters quite like Firmino. Signed from Hoffenheim for £29 million in 2015, the Brazilian developed into one of the most distinctive forwards of his generation.
His Liverpool career produced 111 goals and 72 assists across 362 appearances. More importantly, it brought a collection of major honours including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Firmino was neither a conventional centre-forward nor simply a creator. His movement opened spaces, his pressing disrupted opponents and his selflessness allowed those around him to thrive. The affection still felt for him on Merseyside reflects how naturally his personality and football fitted the club.
“It’s been three years since I left, but I still try to watch all of Liverpool’s matches,” he told Pearce. “The club means everything to me and my family. The people there always treated us so well.”
He also recalled “so many amazing memories”, from the goals and trophies to the victory parades through Liverpool.
“It was a gift from God to be able to play there for so long,” Firmino said. “I’m proud of what we achieved.”
That experience shaped his message to Isak. Firmino knows Anfield can be demanding, but he also knows how warmly its crowd responds to commitment.
“There is no better place to be a No 9, scoring goals and helping the team win games,” he said. “Anfield is special, and as long as you always give everything for Liverpool, then the fans will stay right behind you. I believe in him.”
Klopp messages preserve enduring connection
Firmino’s transformation at Liverpool was inseparable from Jürgen Klopp’s influence. The German recognised qualities in him that extended far beyond goals and built an attacking system in which his intelligence became essential.
Alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, Firmino helped form a forward line capable of overwhelming opponents in England and Europe. The Brazilian’s willingness to drop deeper, create space and initiate the press gave the trio its balance.
“It worked so well because Mo, Sadio and I all had qualities that complemented each other,” Firmino said. “We could all score goals but we could also create for each other.”
He added that the three forwards possessed a deep understanding of one another’s positioning and always placed the team first.
Firmino also revealed that he remains in contact with Klopp through occasional messages on Instagram.
“I owe Jürgen a lot because he helped me so much in my career,” he said. “It wasn’t easy for me at the start when I joined Liverpool, but he really believed in me. He told me how important I was going to be for his team.”
That faith enabled Firmino to become a defining player in one of Liverpool’s greatest eras. It also explains why his advice to Isak carries genuine authority. He experienced an uncertain beginning, adapted to immense demands and ultimately became indispensable.
Anfield return already occupies Firmino’s thoughts
Firmino continues to enjoy his football with Al Sadd in Qatar and is not yet contemplating retirement. After contributing 17 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances during a title-winning campaign, he retains both his appetite and his ambition.
“Pre-season gets harder every year, I have to admit, but I still get the same kind of feeling every time I step onto the field,” he said.
The forward even suggested that he could continue playing until he is 40, provided he remains fit and able to contribute at a high level.
Before that chapter closes, however, supporters may receive the Anfield return they have long wanted. Firmino confirmed that he hopes to represent Liverpool’s legends in a future charity match.
“I will definitely return at some point,” he told Pearce. “It’s such a special place. I’d love to come back and play for the Liverpool Legends in one of those charity games. If they call me, I will be there.”
For Isak, the immediate challenge is to create his own Anfield story. Firmino’s career demonstrates that early difficulties need not define ...
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