Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho: Brendan Rodgers give me complete freedom

Philippe Coutinho says Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gives him complete freedom to express himself in his No10 role.

The Brazil international had nine attempts on goal in Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Fulham a fortnight ago as the Brazilian started his first Premier League game since recovering from a shoulder operation.

Coutinho, who joined the Reds in a £8.5m deal from Inter Milan in the January transfer window, is happy to be thrilling the Liverpool supporters with the 21-year-old’s attractive style of football.

“I would not agree the team was not playing so well when I was not there,” Coutinho is quoted as saying by Telegraph.

“When I was not playing, the team still won and was playing very well. What I would say is this; the manager gives me complete freedom to play to link the play between midfield and the striker.

“He does not limit me to a particular area of field or a position, his instruction to me is to move around and work in different positions that are best for the team.

“My focus in the training sessions is always about movement to create openings and opportunities. When you don’t have the ball, you still need the discipline, to know where you should be, who you should be marking, but when we have the ball it is important to be able to move around.

“That only comes with practice and I’m pleased people like my style of football.”