Roberto Firmino "optimistic" of Premier League title success

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 19 August 2018

Roberto Firmino insists that Liverpool are not afraid of Manchester City and vows to "give every last drop" in pursuit of a first Premier League title.

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has insisted that his side will fight all the way this season as they go in search of a first Premier League title.

The Reds, who last finished top of the English top flight in 1990, have been tipped to provide the biggest challenge for reigning champions Manchester City this term.

Firmino admits that Liverpool are not afraid of the Citizens, having beaten them three times in all competitions last season, and has vowed to give "every last drop" in pursuit of a rare title success.

"I am optimistic and I believe Liverpool are capable of fighting for the greatest success this season," he told The Mirror. "I also think we have a better team than last season and that the new players will improve the performance of the team. Of course, we know we have to show it on the field and we know that, for our new players, it is not easy to adapt quickly to a new team.

"But I always think positively. We have shown in the last campaign that our dreams can be fulfilled and that we can return to the path of winning titles. This year, we must not fail and that is the attitude of the players. Certainly my dream is to lift the Premier League trophy with Liverpool and that's what we are trying to do. City are not invincible, they have lost games too.

"I think the battle for the title is going to be very tough and will go until the very last day. That's why we're determined to start at the top. The favourites are the usual ones – City, [Manchester] United, Chelsea and us. I don't think there will be any big surprises. But the Premier League is one of the toughest competitions in the world and so much of the battle is in the head.

"So let's see what happens. All I can promise our supporters is that we will give every last drop and finish the season absolutely empty in a bid to win the title. The Premier League is our main challenge, but also Europe, after reaching the final against Real Madrid and falling down last season. That left us with a bad taste in our mouths, but we have to be patient and go game by game to achieve what we really want this time."

Liverpool beat West Ham United 4-0 in their league opener and next travel to Crystal Palace on Monday evening.