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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp labelled the decision to leave Roberto Firmino out of the Brazil World Cup as “madness” before netting in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Southampton.
Firmino missed the cut for Tite’s 26-man Brazilian squad in midweek despite being in their squad for friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia in September.
The Brazilian put aside that disappointment to open the scoring against the Saints with a crafty header – his 18th headed goal in the Premier League.
But Klopp revealed prior to the game that the decision had impacted Firmino and taken the German by surprise too.
“A blow, definitely,” Klopp said. “You couldn’t see it in training, but definitely.
“It was [a blow] for me to be honest. I’m happy we have Bobby, but he deserves it. I think he deserves everything, to be honest.
“It just shows how incredibly good and talented this Brazilian squad is if you can leave a player like Bobby Firmino out. Madness.
“Of course, we will talk; we did already, and will maybe do again. He’s fine but, as everyone can imagine, very disappointed.”
Firmino has netted nine goals and provided four assists for the Reds this season including seven strikes in the Premier League.
Klopp also confirmed the club and 31-year-old Firmino are in talks to discuss a new deal, with the Brazilian’s current contract expiring in June 2023.
“Normal conversations are happening as well so we will see what happens there,” Klopp said.
