Jurgen Klopp has branded criticism of Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino “ridiculous” after the Brazilian helped the Reds move level on points with Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table.
Klopp’s men beat high-flying Leicester 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday and are now behind Spurs only on goal difference as they bid to defend their title.
Firmino’s all-round play has been integral to the success of Klopp’s side in recent years, but the 29-year-old had scored just once in all competitions this season going into Sunday’s meeting with the Foxes.
With summer signing Diogo Jota in prolific form, there have been suggestions that Firmino’s place in Liverpool’s attack could be under threat.
He looked to be on course for another blank against Brendan Rodgers’ men, having been denied by the woodwork and the most last-ditch of goal-line clearances – HawkEye revealed the ball had been one centimetre from crossing the line – until scoring with a superb glancing header late on to seal the win.
“What people say about him is ridiculous,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “I think it’s because they’ve got nothing else to talk about.
“You cannot be closer to a goal than he was tonight and everybody thought the same at that moment, when it was 3-0 with exactly the right goalscorer. He was outstanding tonight.”
