Pressure is building on Liverpool, admits Coutinho

The Reds have suffered consecutive defeats in the Premier League, to West Ham and Manchester United, and the Brazilian insists that his side must bounce back quickly

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho admits the pressure on the club is building following their disappointing recent form.

Brendan Rodgers' side followed a shock 3-0 home defeat to West Ham with a 3-1 loss to fierce rivals Manchester United at the weekend.

And Coutinho - who missed the United game through suspension - is aware of the importance of bouncing back quickly, starting with the Europa League clash with Bordeaux on Thursday.

"It's a very important game as it's our first in the Europa League," he told Liverpool's official website.

"We know how important it is to have a good start in a competition like this and everyone's focused on doing well in this game.

"After two consecutive defeats, we're conscious there's going to be more pressure from the outside - we have to do things right on the pitch so we can achieve good results."

Despite having earned just seven points from their opening five league games, Coutinho insists it is far too early to begin writing off Liverpool's season in its entirety.

"It is vital to stay calm, mainly because we are just at the beginning in all competitions," said the Brazil international.

"We have a long season ahead and many things can happen. The Premier League is tough - all clubs have great teams - and we know twists and turns will happen.

"We have to not only remain calm but also to work hard to achieve what we want on the pitch.

"It feels bad to be out and not being available to be selected and help the team but we have to look ahead now and get over these two recent games we lost.

"There are lessons to be learned so we can move on and avoid making the same mistakes. We have a great team here and we know we can improve - and that's what we're trying to do right now."

Brazil Squad Confirmed: Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino Called Up, Gabriel Paulista Misses Out

The Liverpool duo of Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have made it to the Brazil squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers. 

Brazil coach Dunga has confirmed his squad that will take on Copa America champions Chile and Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers on 9th and 14th of October, respectively.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has been left out of the squad that played against United States and Costa Rica in friendly fixtures last month. The Paris Saint-Germain duo David Luiz and Marquinhos have found favour with Dunga, with new Inter signing Miranda also finding a place in the squad.

The Liverpool duo of Firmino and Coutinho have found a place in the Brazil team, with Manchester City’s Fernandinho and Chelsea’s Willian and Oscar have also been included in Dunga’s squad. 
 

PSG’s Lucas, Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Hulk and Bayern Munich’s summer signing Douglas Costa form the attacking force of the Brazil squad, which will look to start well in their journey towards Russia 2018.

Brazil Squad vs Chile and Venezuela

Goalkeepers: Jefferson, Marcelo Grohe, Alisson
Defenders: David Luiz, Miranda, Marquinhos, Gil
Full-backs: Fabinho, Rafinha, Felipe Luis, Marcelo
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo, Fernandinho, Elias, Renato Augusto, Lucas Lima, Oscar, Willian, Philippe Coutinho
Attackers: Roberto Firmino, Hulk, Lucas, Douglas Costa

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho called up to Brazil squad by Dunga

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho has been called up to the Brazil squad after the withdrawal of Chelsea’s Oscar and Ramires.

The 23-year-old was a surprising omission from Dunga’s original squad for next week’s friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States, a decision that was described as “unbelievable” by the Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers. However, injuries to Ramires and Oscar have opened the door for Coutinho, who will be also joined in the squad by Barcelona’s Rafinha.

Brazil will face Costa Rica on 5 September in New Jersey before travelling to Boston to face the US on 8 September – four days before Liverpool meet Manchester United in the Premier League.

Rafinha, brother of the Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcântara, is in line to make his debut having previously represented Spain at youth level.

Manchester United v Liverpool FC: The options to replace Philippe Coutinho at Old Trafford

The Brazilian midfielder is out of the Old Trafford clash - but who could play instead?

With Liverpool FC’s transfer business done – in terms of incomings, at least – it meansBrendan Rodgers can send his squad away for international duty and plan.

Plan he must, too, after the 3-0 defeat at home to West Ham.

No points, no fight, no Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian’s red card effectively ended any hopes of a Liverpool comeback on Saturday, but it could have even graver consequences in a fortnight’s time, with Coutinho missing the trip to Old Trafford.

The Reds boss has enough questions to ask ahead of the game with Manchester United, but his no.10’s unnecessary challenge leaves Rodgers with a dilemma: just who replaces him?

Of course, there is still an international fixture list to navigate, with Liverpool hoping all those sent away come back fit and firing.

There is also no update, as of yet, on the fitness of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana.

For now, here are the options available to Brendan Rodgers.

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BRING IN INGS – PLAY TWO UP FRONT

Ings impressed in his cameo at Anfield, his first taste of Premier League football since his move to Anfield. Though he could play behind the striker, specifically out wide, he would be better moving as close to Christian Benteke as possible.

It would be a risk to go two up-front at Old Trafford, but with Daniel Sturridge nearing a return, it’s a formation the Reds might have to contemplate in the future – particularly given previous success with the diamond formation in 2013-14.

ECHO columnist John Aldridge believes Ings would be the man to give Benteke the support he sorely lacked against the Hammers. Ings’ directness, pace and movement would seem to compliment the Belgian well – and he scored at Old Trafford last season.

West Ham's Mark Noble is sent off for this challenge on Liverpool's Danny Ings Reuters / Eddie Keogh

FIRMINO IN THE CENTRE

A mixed start to life on Merseyside for Roberto Firmino. The club’s new Brazilian has been played out wide so far, with his best position thought to be in a central position.

Coutinho’s absence could give him the chance to operate there.

His pressing from the front would be essential against United, and in his limited time at Liverpool, he appears a player who would benefit having more of the pitch to operate into. He’s provided a function for now, and worked hard – but perhaps it is time to flourish behind Benteke, if only for one game.

Football - Liverpool v West Ham United - Barclays Premier League - Anfield - 29/8/15 Liverpool's Roberto Firmino Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic

SAME AS WEST HAM (AND ARSENAL)

The set-up against West Ham did not work – but it did at the Emirates against Arsenal. United, in theory, would be closer to an away game against Arsenal than a home game against West Ham. Just because it didn’t work one week, doesn’t mean it would fail the next.

That would mean keeping the midfield triumvirate of James Milner, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva, with Benteke and Firmino taking up two of the attacking three positions. Instead of Coutinho, however, Jordon Ibe could come back in.

The return of Henderson or Lallana would further complicate matters, but if Liverpool could produce a similar effort against United as they did against the Gunners, Rodgers – and the fans – would be happy.