Football
ESPN staff 7y

Jurgen Klopp lets Liverpool 'do what we want' on field - Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho says Jurgen Klopp gives Liverpool the freedom to "do what we want" on the pitch.

Coutinho, 24, was speaking to Liverpool's official website after being presented with the Samba Gold award, which is given to the best Brazilian player in Europe.

"We work hard as a group and of course Liverpool has great players," Coutinho said. "The coach demands a lot from the group. Everyone has been playing well this season and has done what the coach has asked for. And in relation to that, the coach lets us do what we want on the field.

"Of course, everyone has their responsibility, when they do not have the ball, they should mark, be in their position, defend. But he lets us do what we want. No one feels pressure to determine who will make decisions and who will defend. Everyone works together, as a group."

Coutinho earned 32.13 percent of the vote for the Samba Gold award in a combined poll of journalists, current and ex-professionals and supporters.

"It means a lot," Coutinho said. "I'm very happy to know that this past year I have been recognised by many people. It was an important year for me and I'm very happy to win this award. It was a good year.

"As a team, we played very well and we managed to get to two finals [in the League Cup and Europa League], but unfortunately we lost them. That was a very difficult time but it certainly made the group stronger."

^ Back to Top ^