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Roberto Firmino says it would be "awful" if Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona as he set his sights on making history at Anfield.

The Brazil international wants his close friend to stay put and help Jurgen Klopp's men achieve success this season in the build up to next summer's World Cup finals in Russia.

"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.

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"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.

He scored 49 goals in 153 appearances for Hoffenheim following his move from Figueirense in 2011.

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"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."