Roberto Firmino claims that it would be "awful" if Philippe Coutinho quit Liverpool for Barcelona.

Firmino has his sights set on glory at Anfield but wants to see his Brazil international team-mate stick around and help them achieve it.

He wants to achieve club success this season ahead of next summer's World Cup in Russia, report the Liverpool Echo.

"I prefer to not think of this (Coutinho leaving) because it would be awful. He's a great player but also a great friend to me," Firmino said.

"It is normal that great teams are interested in his football but my concentration is now on the team.

Coutinho runs alongside Firmino during pre-season training (
Image:
Getty)
Firmino and Coutinho stand next to each other during the pre-season tour of Asia (
Image:
Plumb Images)

"My objective is to win cups with Liverpool so I can enter the history of this club.

"This season is a special season because it is World Cup season. From childhood, I had the dream to play the World Cup.

"To be selected to the World Cup, I need to have my best season with Liverpool. Tite is a coach who rewards hard work at clubs."

Firmino is guaranteed a warm reception on his return to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena for tonight's Champions League play-off first leg.

Firmino returns to Hoffenheim in the Champions League this week (
Image:
Rex)
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He scored 49 goals in 153 appearances for Hoffenheim following his move from Figueirense in 2011.

"My feeling on facing my ex club? It makes me happy to meet old friends again. I always felt respected there, I have good memories," he added.

"I know Hoffenheim very well. They're an organised, hard side to face. But if we want to go far we must win big games from now.

"Klopp is a manager who's got the group under the palm of his hands. We hope to achieve big things this season, we prepared well."

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