Tuesday 12 December 2017 14:15, UK
Philippe Coutinho has thanked Jurgen Klopp for his role in the Brazilian’s advancement at Liverpool.
Coutinho, whose long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain after interest from Barcelona in the summer, says Klopp has adapted him to a new position that makes him even more effective in matches.
The 25-year-old midfielder has scored nine goals in 15 appearances for the Reds this term and he praised his German boss in the Liverpool programme notes for Sunday's 1-1 draw against Everton.
"He's helped me a lot. I think the way he's helped me to play when we don't have the ball, when the team is under pressure, is really different," he said.
"We've changed how we play. We've tried to switch to a different style and I think that, bit-by-bit, I'm getting better with that and hopefully that can continue.
"I'm now in a deeper position and I'm always trying to improve, and be able to score goals and set off moves, because my position demands it. I think playing there is a position where you get to play the ball a great deal.
"You become more involved in the game. It's a position that I feel that I've adapted to and I like it."
Liverpool rejected bids for Coutinho of over £100m from Barca last August, and the player has since become part of a formidable attacking quartet with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and new signing Mo Salah.
"Sadio and Mo are both great players," Coutinho said. "They are both very quick and they give us options down the sides. They are players with great intelligence.
"They play in a quite advanced position and the line that they play always creates those spaces for us with their movement. They are very important players for the team."
