Philippe Coutinho

[Norbs]

great footy studs, btw.

Get some decent grip on a sloppy pitch with them

[Tee]

I just got it.

I feel for you.

[Shaggy]

[ame]https://twitter.com/TheBibTheorists/status/578878298568159232[/ame]

[The_weatherman]

He looks awkward.

[EwarWoo]

He looks awkward.

He looks pretty good on the ball, think you have him mixed up with sakho

[The_weatherman]

He looks pretty good on the ball, think you have him mixed up with sakho

Of course, easy mistake to make though!

[EwarWoo]

Must be the gloves

[marksared]

[Slinky Skills]

I just got it.

[Chazza]

Philippe Coutinho says Liverpool still have 'big chance' of top four finish, pointing to tough Manchester United run-in

Manchester United's tough run-in ensures Liverpool still have a "big chance" of finishing the season in the top four of the Premier League, according to Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by United at Anfield at the weekend, their first league defeat since losing to Louis van Gaal's side at Old Trafford in December. The result put the brakes on a remarkable rise up the table and sees Brendan Rodgers' side now five points behind Manchester United and qualification for the Champions League.

However, with United still to play Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, they can be caught according to Coutinho.

"Top four is our target," the Brazilian told the Evening Standard. "Unfortunately, we lost an important game against Manchester United, but there are many matches left and they will still have to play other clubs at the top of the table. We still have a big chance of finishing in the top four."

Coutinho has been among those whose performances revitalised Liverpool's season after a tough start in the wake of Luis Suarez's exit. Manager Rodgers has been so impressed he's tipped for the former Inter Milan player for the PFA Player of the Year award - and the 22-year-old hasn't been shy of returning the compliments.

"I am very happy at Liverpool. I've been learning a lot with Brendan Rodgers and from the experienced players in the squad as well.

"He [Rodgers] has always given me confidence since I arrived there. He was very helpful since the beginning. He asks the offensive midfielders to help on marking when we haven't got the ball, and he's been helping me improve on it in every training session.

He added: "My function is to defend without the ball and that is something our team does well: pressuring without the ball. Then, when we’ve got the ball it is easier. That is one of the reasons we are playing well and consequently individually we also improve."

"Sure I have improved from last year - especially on marking as it is something my manager requests from me a lot. I am happy with my form but I know I must keep improving."

"I do think I need to improve on scoring more goals and that is something I am working hard at."

Coutinho is competing for a starting berth with Chelsea stars Willian and Oscar for Brazil's friendlies against Chile (at the Emirates stadium on Sunday) and France.

Reflecting on Liverpool's title-challenge last season, he is determined to draw positives from the experience: "We started the year with a team not considered one of the favorites and we fought until the very end.

"Of course it was frustrating to not win the title, but it was good coming back to Champions League, to have played a good season and for Liverpool to be respected once again on the pitch."

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/philippe-coutinho-says-liverpool-still-have-big-chance-of-top-four-finish-pointing-to-tough-manchester-united-runin-10131948.html

[Frenchie]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvHyVPn_A2w"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvHyVPn_A2w[/ame]

Humble lad...

[Chazza]

Man City plot Liverpool transfer swoop for Philippe Coutinho during summer squad revamp

Manchester City are plotting a move for a third Liverpool star - Philippe Coutinho.

Champions City have added the Brazilian playmaker to their list of summer transfer targets, which also includes his team-mates Raheem Sterling, who has shelved talks on a new contract, and fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Coutinho signed a new long-term deal worth around £70,000 a week in February, tying him to the Anfield club until 2020.

But that hasn't put off City, who believe they can tempt Coutinho, 22, by offering him a significant pay-rise if he moved to the Etihad.

They hope their chances of successfully raiding Anfield will also be boosted if fifth-placed Liverpool miss out on securing Champions League football.

Liverpool snapped up Coutinho for what has proved a bargain fee of £8.5million from Inter Milan in January 2013 and he has developed into one of boss Brendan Rodgers' main men.

The Merseysiders believe Brazil international Coutinho, who has scored three times in his four Liverpool appearances against City, is now worth around £35m.

City are set to end the season empty-handed, with their bid to retain their title all but over after their latest defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.

And they are preparing to spend big to overhaul their squad in response to their disappointing campaign.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-city-plot-liverpool-transfer-5480853

[Cormack74]

I could write random articles like that. Wonder how much you get paid for doing so?

[BigChief]

I agree Coutinho is worth around £35m, so we'll ask for £60m take it or leave it. Leave it you say, oh, thought you might. Bye.

[vlahka]

**** any team that wants him. Pay us 100mill or go away. He's our most important player.