Brazil coach Tite has revealed why he omitted Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino from his squad for June friendlies against Argentina and Australia in Melbourne. The Brazil boss revealed that he discussed his choice with Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp.
Tite suggested that he decided to choose between Coutinho and Firmino as a concession to Klopp, “Klopp asked Edu (Gaspar, CBF director) for a call forecast because he needed to make plans for the team for the season,” he told GQ magazine.
“Then we decided to rush the process to be able to pass the “inside information” to Klopp. I had all the information from Liverpool’s medical department about Roberto Firmino and Coutinho. Of the two, I did not summon Firmino.
We knew Firmino was not in his best physical condition. He was playing because they were decisive matches to try and qualify for the Champions League. He would play for the club because they needed it, he would play for 75 minutes and come off.
“So it was leading up to that. Since I want the best for the national team, but also for the club, I chose not to call the Firmino. Of course Klopp would also love it if I did not call either of them!” he joked.
