Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has given an exclusive interview to ESPN Brasil after Sunday’s clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The player, who was brought on after 60 minutes, claimed the result didn’t feel very good because they’d been leading 1-0 for so long.
“We leave here a little disappointed in that sense, because the team played well, we deserve the victory,” Coutinho told ESPN Brasil. “From the first minute we already knew what we wanted. The coach asked for a lot of pressing, as he always does, and I think the team did very well in the first half. In the second half they played a lot of aerial balls, the team took too much at the back and we ended up conceding a goal at the end.”
Speaking of chasing Chelsea in the title race, he said: “Actually, a point against United here is not too bad. But looking at it this way, Chelsea end up moving away. The league is still long, we play against them too. We have to continue this good form, and try to win the matches to catch them.”
Coutinho missed nine games due to an ankle injury. He made his return to the team in the EFL Cup tie against Southampton last week, when he played for thirty minutes, just like yesterday.
He left the game with ice on his foot and was questioned about it: “The ankle injury is a bit complicated. But in these two games I felt good. In relation to the ankle, I’m feeling better and better. More confidence to kick, to pass. Of course in the game we feel even less, because of the adrenaline.”
Asked when he’ll be able to start a game again, Coutinho said: “Look, I always work to try to get the opportunities to start playing, but then it depends on the coach. I’ve been training for a week and a half with the team. And physically, before returning with the team, I trained alone a lot. So it depends on the coach, but if I have to start playing, I’ll be sure to be well prepared.”
With six goals and six assists this season, Coutinho seems to be living the best form of his career. He was recently awarded the Samba D’Or, a prize given by the Brazilian football website Sambafoot. The midfielder surpassed Neymar, who had won the past two editions.
