‘Was nearly emotional’: Klopp says he ‘loved’ what happened after Liverpool’s third goal

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims he loved the celebrations after Roberto Firmino scored his side’s third goal against Leicester City on Sunday.

The Reds were expected by many to struggle against the Foxes due to their long list of injuries. However, Liverpool looked brilliant and dominated Brendan Rodgers’ side with considerable ease at Anfield.

Jonny Evans’ own goal opened the scoring before Diogo Jota doubled Liverpool’s lead just before half time. Leicester were still in the game, but Firmino’s brilliant header in the 86th minute sealed the tie.

The Brazilian has been heavily criticised by the media and a small section of Liverpool’s fan base. Some supporters even wanted him dropped for the Merseyside derby last month (read here), but Klopp stuck by him, and Firmino has repaid the faith.

The Liverpool boss has always said that he doesn’t care about Firmino’s goal return. However, he admitted that he was glad to see him score, and claimed that he loved his players’ celebration after the Brazilian’s header.

Klopp: I loved the celebration after Firmino’s goal

Klopp told Liverpool’s official website: “I’m not concerned about anything with Bobby but I know from time to time it helps to score a goal. And this goal was very important.

“What I loved most about the goal is the reaction of the boys when you saw the celebration. We always celebrate goals obviously but the celebration of that goal was nearly emotional because obviously the players read newspapers, unfortunately, and they saw that there was some criticism.

“So they were really happy for him to score that goal and it felt absolutely just right that he scored it. But how important he is to us, you saw us play a couple of times so you know how important he is, so I don’t have to mention that.”

Firmino only has two goals and two assists to his name in all competitions this season. That isn’t a great record for a striker, but the Brazilian does a lot more than just score, and Klopp absolutely loves him.