Ruling the world will help banish my Champions League misery
PROBABLE TEAMS
BRAZIL v SWITZERLAND
The Liverpool star is still hurting after his team lost to Real Madrid in Kiev on a night when Mo Salah was injured and keeper Loris Karius had a nightmare.
But as Brazil prepare to start their World Cup campaign with a match against Switzerland in Group E in Rostov today, the striker has plenty to take his mind off a frustrating end to a wonderful club season.
Firmino said: “When I look back, this season has not been bad personally but it still left a bad taste in the mouth after the Champions League Final.
“I still believe we deserved more but this is what makes football.
“Now I’m at the World Cup and for a Brazilian player it is what you dream.
“I can’t compare it being with my club – winning a title with Liverpool has a different flavour to winning with Brazil.
“The World Cup has such a big impact – for the fans and the people back home it’s the maximum. It’s absolutely everything for the country.
“So the defeat against Madrid will always be there, but this is a different challenge and already I’m enjoying it.”
Brazil have their own memories to forget – not least a 7-1 defeat at home to Germany in the semi-finals in 2014, which left an entire nation on its knees.
But Firmino is hopeful the current team has a stronger mentality and will cope with the pressure that comes whenever they pull on the famous yellow shirt.
He said: “Looking at the spirit and hard work in the squad I think we will go far.
“We all arrive with humility after the last World Cup and knowing that nothing is easy.
“What happened four years ago at home has served as an example to us not to make mistakes this time. I’m convinced that we’ll be one of the contenders, one of the teams to beat – and that we are ready for the pressure.” Brazil seem to have flourished under new coach Tite, who is mentioned in revered tones by players every time they hold a press conference. He has brought back the Brazil spirit of old, instilling an attacking mentality which embraces flair and organisation – with former Tottenham man Paulinho as the holding midfielder adding balance when they need to defend.
“What I like is the feeling and the happiness in the squad,” said Firmino, who faces a battle with Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus to start against the Swiss.
“Brazil is a super-professional team, but the coach has asked us to have fun with the ball at our feet.
“In training we are trying to de-dramatise the tournament and just play. This is a sport and that’s how it should be, even though so much is expected from us.
“Playing Switzerland in the first game is not easy but we need to play our game, be patient and do what we do well.”
Brazil are certainly big favourites to win Group E, which also includes Costa Rica and Serbia.
And with Neymar fit they go into the group stage with almost a full squad – only Manchester United new boy Fred is a doubt for the opening game.
They seem to have a clear identity once more and Firmino is optimistic.
He said: “On the pitch we know how we play and what we want to do. The message is that Brazil does not have to play any kind of weird experiments.
“If we play as we know, then we will cause problems for other teams and we can go far.”