Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed some of his thinking behind moving Philippe Coutinho into a slightly deeper role. The Brazilian played in midfield against West Ham United, scoring twice in the Reds’ 4-0 victory in East London.
Klopp hinted at the possibility of using him slightly deeper before the game, saying, “Can we work on different things with Phil? Yes, of course. He plays at the moment kind of wing ‘10’ but he can also play as a No.8.
“That is possible and maybe he will have more influence and we can involve another player on the wing. That would make us stronger for sure, having his creativity in the middle of the park. He would have to adapt to that. He is young, full of talent and I’m pretty sure he thinks he is in the right place.”
Klopp also refused to entertain suggestions that Coutinho will be tempted by a summer move to Barcelona, with whom he is linked regularly, “He became this player at Liverpool. He knows about this. That is what is really special about him.
“He really likes being here, it’s not like someone has to force him. His family really likes it too. If we develop all our players, they will be decisive players in their national teams. It’s all about the club football then you can make the steps in your national teams. We all know how strong Phil can be.
“We all believe in this project. How I know it in this moment – we all want to be part of it. It is a fantastic club in a good situation, not perfect, but a good situation. We want to improve it but it is in a good situation.”