Liverpool’s little magician is expecting some top-class company.
When Philippe Coutinho is good, he is very, very good. The Brazilian, when he turns it on, can look like the Reds’ one truly world class player.
The tricky attacker – criticised in the past for the fact his goals have been known more for their quality than their quantity – has found the net four times in his last three Premier League appearances.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the 23 year old (speaking through his highly-paid interpreter Lucas Leiva) said he expects Jurgen Klopp to lure some more quality player to Anfield.
“With him coming it could attract more good players, for sure,” said Coutinho, who praised the impact the German has had since replacing Brendan Rodgers.
“He is a big manager. A top manager. He gives the players a lot of confidence. He has a lot of experience. He’s open to listening to the players as well, so it’s good.”
Despite being linked with practically every Borussia Dortmund player, Klopp has suggested he will not be active in the January transfer market. He has stated his satisfaction with Coutinho and his team-mates, who take West Bromwich Albion at home on Sunday.
The Brazilian international signed for Inter as a teenager and credited the influence former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez had on his career, despite making very little impact on the first team.
“Benitez was still important for me. He was my first manager in Europe and I learned a lot from him. He gave me a lot of opportunities but for some reason it did not go well. It’s hard to say why. I was very young. I had not so much experience. Maybe that didn’t help.
“I wouldn’t blame anyone. It just didn’t work for me. I do like the style of football here in England more. It’s more intense and all the teams try to play football. It is better for me here.”
Benitez loaned Coutinho out to Espanyol, who were managed by current Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino at the time. The Argentine has done great work with Spurs’ young talent, having done the same at Southampton, and Liverpool Number 10 – whose wife Aine is expecting their first child on 4th January – said he taught him how to express himself in Spain.
“[He]Â gave me a lot of confidence. He always encouraged me to play and show my skills. And he told me to enjoy it. In that sense I have been lucky with all my managers. They have all encouraged me to play my game.”
