Philippe Coutinho: Liverpool are still adapting to Jurgen Klopp's style of play

Despite signs of progress, the Brazilian playmaker admits that the team have a long way to go

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho (Getty Images)

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho admits the players are still learning their individual roles in manager Jurgen Klopp's way of playing.

The German has had little time to fully implement his methods because since taking over from Brendan Rodgers the team have played seven matches in 23 days with no spare time in midweek.

There have been signs of progress and despite Coutinho being somewhat rejuvenated with three goals in as many games, the Brazil international accepts there is plenty of work still to do both on an individual and collective level.

"When you get new players, especially strikers, it is the job of all of the team to give them the service they need," he told the official Liverpool magazine.

"I have to learn whether it is right to play a fast ball or a pass along the ground, depending on who I am playing the ball to.

"I have to adapt to them, but it's not only me who must do this.

"The training sessions are very, very important for this adaptation process to happen.

"We work on this every day in training and the sessions are very intense.

"If we're not doing it right, or something isn't working, we do it again and again until we get it right.

"The more you train with your team-mates, the more you learn about each other and this is important for the team to do well."

An international break means Klopp has a reduced number to work with over the next 10 days and his difficulties have increased by a growing injury list.

Defender Mamadou Sakho is the latest to be added to that number - there are currently nine first-team players out - after a consultant confirmed damage to medial ligaments in his right knee after he fell awkwardly in Sunday's defeat to Crystal Palace.

The Frenchman is sidelined for up to two months, which leaves Klopp with just three centre-backs in Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure until the new year.

PA