Firmino targeted by Saudi fans who want him to leave already amid goal drought
Roberto Firmino's goal drought has seen him come under fire from Al-Ahli fans amid the Saudi Pro League side's mixed start to the season.
Al-Ahli spent big after winning promotion to the Saudi Pro League, with Firmino joined by the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy. They started the season like a train, winning their first four matches, but now sit down in fourth.
Firmino scored a hat-trick on his first match for the club, a 3-1 victory over Al-Hazem, but has not netted since. He isn't the only one coming in for criticism, but coach Matthias Jaissle has kept the faith and was rewarded - for the time being at least - with an assist in a weekend victory over Al-Wehda.
Despite Firmino setting up Mahrez's clincher, there is still said to be dissatisfaction with the Champions League winner. Indeed, according to Goal, there have been calls for Al-Ahli to let him leave in January.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy also came into criticism earlier in the campaign after conceding five goals against Al-Fateh and four against Al-Nassr. However, the Senegalese turned things around with successive clean sheets while rediscovering a bit of form.
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Al-Ahli were among the biggest summer spenders, with Mahrez and Gabri Veiga the most expensive additions. Their outlay of more than $200m also saw the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Franck Kessie join the club, while Firmino joined on a free transfer but with hefty wages.
Should Roberto Firmino be given more time? Have your say in the comments section
Roberto Firmino has not scored since August (Getty Images)"Another important win last night!" Firmino wrote on social media after the last victory. "Let’s keep up the hard work boys. Thank you for your amazing support."
There were plenty of messages of support in the comments, though some remain frustrated. "Return to your true level, this is not Firmino," one wrote.
"For those who ask technically about Bobby, the player’s current problem is the lack of scoring, but the player is performing his tactical roles with high quality in receiving, delivering, and making plays," one of the more supportive comments read. "Good luck, Bobby. I hope you hug the net against Al Hilal."
Al-Ahli's next match sees them travel to Riyadh to face Al-Hilal, who currently sit three points clear at the top of the table. Top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic will be looking to add to his seven league goals, but team-mate Neymar will be absent after suffering an ACL injury on Brazil duty.
"It's a very sad moment, the worst. I know I'm strong but this time I'm going to need my friends (family and friends) even more. It's not easy to go through injury and surgery," Neymar wrote on social media after the extent of the injury came to light.
"Imagine going through it all again after 4 months of recovery. I have faith, too much… But I place the strength in God's hands so that he can renew mine. Thank you for the messages of support and affection."
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