Monday 16 January 2017 22:53, UK
Philippe Coutinho has hailed the influence of manager Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool look to realise their "big objectives" this season.
The Brazil international made his comeback from a two-month lay-off with an ankle ligament injury in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United, featuring for the final half-an-hour at Old Trafford.
Liverpool sit seven points off Premier League leaders Chelsea in third spot and also remain in both domestic cup competitions, with an EFL Cup semi-final second-leg against Southampton, which the Saints lead 1-0, to come next week.
“We have to keep working together because the season is very long . We have big objectives to realise this season,” Coutinho told Sky Sports ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup third round replay at Sky Bet League Two Plymouth Argyle.
“The confidence [of a good result] brings good feeling, tells us that we have to keep working hard. This season promises to be very important for us and Liverpool have to keep playing well.”
Klopp was as animated as ever on the touchline at Old Trafford and even clashed with United manager Jose Mourinho following a challenge from Roberto Firmino on Ander Herrera.
Liverpool have lost just twice this season in the Premier League under Klopp and Coutinho believes a new-found defensive resolve has been behind the Reds' fine form.
When asked about Klopp, Coutinho added: “He is a great manager, he has changed the mentality in our team we have become much stronger in defence, and we’ll keep working together.”
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