Coutinho says Klopp is making him a better player

Our little Brazilian magician Phillipe Coutinho has said that playing for new boss Jurgen Klopp is making him a better player.

He revealed his opinion in an interview with World Soccer magazine, which was that reported on the official Liverpool website.

“He created a highly successful side at Dortmund and it is great for Liverpool to have him,” said our number 10.

“In training, we are working hard and enjoying his methods, which are helping to make us better players. Little by little, it is translating to matches and I think everyone has seen how effective his philosophy can be if we adapt it in the right way.

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“It feels like we are moving in the right direction under him and we believe we can fight for the big prizes and enjoy some special moments with the fans.

“Our team is playing a high-pressing game and I am enjoying it. With this style there is more freedom when we have the ball.

“We still have responsibilities within the team, but the manager is asking us to play our game more naturally and it is enabling us to express ourselves. Klopp has put his ideas forward and they are helping to make me an even better player.”

Despite his word of praise, he reserved a special mention for our ex-boss Brendan Rodgers.The Northern Irishman has become a divisive figure amongst some sections of our fan base, but you

The Northern Irishman has become a divisive figure amongst some sections of our fan base, but you won’t here him criticised on this site – he almost took us to our first league title in more than two decades, all while playing some of the most scintillating football the club has produced in a generation.

Coutinho clearly feels the same:

“I have been lucky to work under some fine managers already in my career and they have each added an element to my game,” he said.

“The likes of [Rafael] Benitez, [Mauricio] Pochettino and Dunga are great coaches, but I will always have a special gratitude to Brendan [Rodgers]. He believed in me and brought me here. He gave me the opportunity to play for such a great club.”

… And thank goodness he did! Let’s hope Phil’s fine form continues on Thursday and Sunday.

ARIS