Jurgen Klopp has Liverpool moving in the right direction, says playmaker Philippe Coutinho

The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of his potential since Klopp took over at Anfield in October

Jurgen Klopp and Philippe Coutinho embrace on the sidelines (Getty)

Philippe Coutinho believes Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has the Merseyside club “moving in the right direction” but admits he also holds predecessor Brendan Rodgers in high regard.

The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of his potential since Klopp took over at Anfield in October as the German manager acclimatises to life in the Premier League.

Despite criticism from some pundits of his training methods, Coutinho insists the players are enjoying Klopp’s high-intensity schedule.

“It feels like we are moving in the right direction under him and we believe we can fight for the big prizes and enjoy some special moments with the fans,” he told World Soccer magazine.

“In training, we are working hard and enjoying his methods, which are helping to make us better players. Klopp has put his ideas forward and they are helping to make me an even better player.”

Asked who he holds among his favourite managers to play for, Courinho delivered an expectedly diplomatic answer but was prepared to place on record his gratitude to Rodgers. Under the Northern Irishman, Liverpool failed to win a single major honour but went desperately close to the title in 2013.

“I have been lucky to work under some fine managers already in my career and they have each added an element to my game. The likes of [Rafael[ Benitez, [Mauricio Pochettino] and Dunga are great coaches but I will always have a special gratitude to Brendan. He believed in me and brought me here. He gave me the opportunity to play for such a great club.”