Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino says he doesn't see the competition for places upfront at Liverpool as a "personal battle" and believes it can only be a good thing for the team.
Firmino has rarely had his role in Jurgen Klopp's side questioned since the manager's arrival in 2015. Indeed, he has formed an iconic and deadly trio with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
That lethality raised doubts that Liverpool would be eternally weaker without one of their front three in the team. However, Jota has smashed those doubts away following his initial £41million arrival.
The Portuguese has netted seven goals in 11 games and managed to displace Firmino in the 5-0 rout of Atalanta. But Firmino says that he welcomes further competition in the hunt for silverware.
"Liverpool have a great squad of players, so earning a starting position here is not easy at all, and I am used to that," the Brazilian said (via the Daily Mirror).
"Diogo is an excellent footballer and another companion in the squad.
"We all work hard during the week and then the coach decides who comes out. So, I don't have any personal battle with him."
Firmino added that Liverpool's "spectacular" front line has gone up another notch with Jota's arrival.
"Liverpool's attack line is spectacular, and I would say comparable to any in the world, in any of the major leagues," he said.
"Now this year I see it as being even better. And it's not emotion that makes me say this, but simply a result of looking at the statistics.
"As for me, I work hard in training – and then on the field I do what Jurgen Klopp tells me. That is my working philosophy, always."
- TEAMtalk media
