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Phil Coutinho central to Liverpool's hopes in more ways than one as Jurgen Klopp hints at plans for key man

Coutinho being in a deeper role - particularly once competitive action is underway - is designed to free him from crowded areas and to allow other attackers to make the runs which he can find

Karl Matchett
Allianz Arena
Wednesday 02 August 2017 14:58 BST
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Philippe Coutinho remains integral to everything Liverpool do
Philippe Coutinho remains integral to everything Liverpool do

Liverpool’s Audi Cup semi-final win over Bayern Munich could give rise to an inevitable amount of premature optimism, but a win over the European elite is nonetheless a big part of the team-building process. Jurgen Klopp’s side will get to attempt it all over again on Wednesday when they lock horns in the final with Atletico Madrid, and while changes can be expected for a second game in two days, the squad is not so deep that a full 11 rotations will occur.

In particular, Klopp will have a decision to make over his midfield selection. Physical preparations ahead of the 2017/18 campaign might be the primary objective, but the Reds’ manager will not overlook how important for the team’s—and fans’—self-belief another victory could be.

Philippe Coutinho began the match at the Allianz Arena in central midfield, a role he has filled with regularity this pre-season, before reverting to his left-sided role of last term for his short spell on the pitch after the break.

It’s a switch which could yield enormous benefits for Liverpool in the campaign ahead, with Coutinho’s vision and ability to exploit space dovetailing perfectly with the speed and movement ahead of him, particularly in light of new signing Mohamed Salah settling in so impressively. Put to Klopp whether moving Coutinho into the middle was planned or a reaction to no summer signings in that area of the park, he highlighted the versatility of his No. 10 as much as his quality. “We looked at the players we had available and decided [Coutinho] could play there. He can play both roles.”

The message was clear: Coutinho remains a critical part of the side wherever he plays, and his involvement for the Reds in the new Premier League season will be as much a part of any potential success as Salah’s pace, a new defensive signing or perhaps the manager himself.

Against Atletico, Liverpool may face an entirely different challenge. The Spanish side are happy to be without the ball, to sit deep and to deny space to opposition attackers. Coutinho being in a deeper role against such teams—particularly once competitive action is underway—is designed to firstly free him from those crowded areas, and secondly to allow other direct attackers to make the runs which he can find.

Klopp is adamant that Coutinho will stay at the club

Naby Keita, a big Liverpool target this summer who it now appears they will not be signing, has the capacity to break frustrating opposition lines with surging runs and immense power; Coutinho will instead do the same with incision and daring in the pass. Against Atletico, if he plays, he’ll face one of the toughest defences and best-organised midfield lines in Europe, but even they may struggle against the speed of transition that Liverpool now have and the varied options in the final third.

Back in the Champions League—pending a qualifier—and with an ever-growing pool of proof that Liverpool can compete with the best sides domestically, it’s clear just how big the season ahead might be for the Anfield club. They might not end up with everyone who was on their wanted list, but steps forward have been taken, possibly more so than some of their Premier League rivals.

Coutinho will be central to it all, and Klopp’s response to the continued speculation around his future, and of reports emerging in Spain of an incoming bid from Barcelona, was short and to the point. “I can well understand that teams are interested and why he is highly rated...but they can save their energy.”

Perhaps so should Premier League defenders before they face Liverpool

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