The Brazilian footballer Roberto Firmino has said that he has no issues on being used as a backup for his fellow teammate Gabriel Jesus when Brazil start up with their FIFA World Cup journey from 17 June.
All the rivalry revolves around the fact that both Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus are the two centre-forward options in the Brazilian World Cup squad. Since only one of them can start the game, it has become a tough decision for the team manager, Tite to make the right choice.
The head coach, Tite has already selected Gabriel Jesus as the centre-forward for starting the game in the World Cup. But Roberto Firmino has shown some remarkable achievements over the past few days and thus has put up a strong bid for that spot in the national team.
Roberto Firmino has said that he will accept the decisions of the head coach wholeheartedly in Russia. He said, “I am here to help Selecao. Whoever Tite chooses, I will respect it 100 percent and I’m here when needed to give my best for the team.”
This has certainly given some sort of relief to the head coach but he has made it clear that the final decision on the centre-forward in World Cup is yet to be taken. He has also stated that Firmino is putting a lot of pressure on Gabriel to perform, which is good for the Brazilian team.
Firmino had recently scored a goal in the final minutes of the friendly match against Croatia football team on Sunday to make the score as 2-0. It is worth mentioning here that Firmino entered the game late and easily scored the goal but his teammate, Gabriel Jesus failed to do so despite starting the game.
The 26-year-old Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has marvellous stats against his name with 10 goals and 7 assists in 10 appearances in the UEFA Champions League and 15 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League. On the other side, his “friendly rival”, Gabriel Jesus who plays for Manchester City, too has amazing stats. He has scored 4 goals in 7 appearances at the UEFA Champions League and 13 goals and 3 assists in 19 appearances at the Premier League.
Brazil is all set to take on Switzerland on June 17, as they start their journey towards their sixth World Cup victory. After facing the Swiss team, the Brazilians will have to take on Costa Rica on 22 June. Their last group stage match is scheduled to take place against Serbia on 27 June.
The Brazilian team is expected to easily make it to the quarterfinals and with the team in great form, even more, can be expected from them. The things are turning out as per the expectations of the Brazilian team. The star players are in great form and they have claimed their third victory in a row, which will act as a morale booster for the five-time champions in Russia.
