Coutinho “happy and settled” at Liverpool as he looks to new challenges ahead

Last season, Philippe Coutinho really set himself apart as Liverpool’s talisman, go-to guy and best player as the baton was reluctantly passed on from the departing Steven Gerrard.  He showed that he still has plenty of potential to grow but his impact on the team has only increased over time. This season he has found positions […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-11-25 15:19:00

Last season, Philippe Coutinho really set himself apart as Liverpool’s talisman, go-to guy and best player as the baton was reluctantly passed on from the departing Steven Gerrard. 

He showed that he still has plenty of potential to grow but his impact on the team has only increased over time.

This season he has found positions higher up he pitch under new manager Jurgen Klopp and for the most part has cut back on the tendency to take long hopeful shots and he has been rewarded with four goals in his last three league games. 

Even when Liverpool’s season was stalling at the beginning it was clear to see if they could keep finding Coutinho then things will start to happen. 

This role has been largely thrown on him with the departure ofs of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard in recent times a long with the long-term absence of Daniel Sturridge. However, it is a role that he now seems comfortable with and a responsibility he loves to take on.

Nonetheless Coutinho had struggled at his previous club and it seemed for the most part that the Brazilian wouldn’t fulfil his potential.

“I had some difficulties in Italy when I was younger,” the 23 year old admitted. “Only a few chances to play, injuries, not feeling my best, worrying about my family, but everything has fallen into place. I’m happy now and settled. I’m playing all the time, I’m learning and becoming stronger, so this is all good for me.” 

Having recently lost the manager who brought him into the English game and helped him become the player he is today. This marks a new challenge for the diminutive Brazilian as no manager had spent more seasons with Coutinho than former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers before his dismissal. 

Nevertheless on early showings, it’s not a change that looks like it will set him back.

Coutinho has had to get used to seeing managers come and go in all the clubs he has played for in his fleeting career, Jurgen Klopp has become his seventh senior manager in his six seasons. However, he is aware that change brings new challenges.

“At Inter there were many different managers in and out so you get used  to change,” 

“Of course, since I came to Liverpool, Brendan helped me a lot, taught me a lot, and was very good for my career. He gave me a proper chance and showed me many ways to be a better player.

However, the Liverpool number 10 acknowledged the need for change sometimes and revealed how Klopp is getting the best out of his side.

“The new manager has also been really good since coming in. He is very passionate and encouraging…He has big energy and it rubs off. He wants us to enjoy the game, have gun, but also give it all our respect.”