Roberto Firmino insists Liverpool are a better side than the one which finished runners-up last season – and can shape their title destiny in the next few weeks.
Having drawn at Old Trafford last weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s side face Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday before taking on champions Manchester City on November 10.
But striker Firmino is certain the Liverpool squad has learned enough from last year’s campaign to finish top this time.
“I think this team is stronger than last year,” he said. “When I look around, I see the strongest team.
“Winning the Champions League last season helped us because it showed our level – and this year I would say we have improved even more. I have very positive feelings about the season.”
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
That’s exactly the kind of message Liverpool fans want to hear after almost 30 years without a league title. So, a morale-boosting victory over stuttering Tottenham, who lost to Liverpool in the Champions League final last season, could be crucial to bringing the dream a step nearer.
“It would show once again that we believe this is going to be our year in the Premier League. This year is our time,” insisted Firmino.
“But we have to be careful. In this moment we are the leaders and we are playing well. But we haven’t won anything yet. So, we are optimistic, yes – but you have to continue working game by game
“Thinking ahead is just not worth it. I learned long ago that in England, anything can happen. Just dropping two or three points can leave you missing out on the title.”
(Image: Man City via Getty Images)
That’s a lesson Liverpool certainly learned last year as they missed out on the title despite losing just once all campaign.
So even a draw against Spurs on Sunday or at Aston Villa next Saturday could be a massive blow before they face City in a title cruncher.
“They are complicated matches we face,” admitted Firmino.
“If we overcome them, then the way ahead will be even clearer for us. But what we learned last season, which I have already lived many times, is that in this league the last match of the campaign can still end up defining everything.
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
“My hope is that we can be Premier League champions a few days before that. But you have to be ready to go to the end.
“Personally, I prefer to be top and to lead from the front than having to chase your rival. So I am happy where we are right now.”
Firmino is confident, too, that Liverpool can cope with the pressure, which is growing by the day as they edge closer to an historic title win.
He added: “The good news is that this Liverpool team is super professional. We know what is required of us and the pressure we are exposed to.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
“That is important because there is a lot of the season still to go, even though we have started so well.”
It’s hardly surprising, given there are still almost seven months of the campaign remaining, that Firmino is anxious not to add to the hype at Anfield or to suggest the title is already in the bag.
But he has allowed himself a moment or two to think about what it would be like if Klopp’s side finally broke their Premier League duck in May 2020 and the long wait was ended.
“It would be a total party in the city,” he said. “Something unique and even more than when we won the Champions League.
(Image: Marc Atkins)
“But personally I can only think about the present and I haven’t thought about how I would celebrate or what I would do.
“Liverpool is a world-class club and the sooner we win the title the better. But we have not won it yet – and this is a very long race.
“So my message to the fans is to keep supporting us. Success will come.”
