Share

Klopp's intensive passing training paying off - Coutinho

Cape Town - Liverpool are reaping the benefits of manager Jurgen Klopp's quality coaching drills with special focus on passing, according to midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Third-placed Liverpool are four points off Premier League leaders Chelsea and have scored 35 goals in 14 games, the most in the competition so far.

"We work really hard on our passing game, because our manager likes this type of playing style," Coutinho told Four Four Two magazine.

"Something we practise a lot is playing three short passes and then switching the play with a longer pass. We often repeat that routine."

"One of the reasons we do this is so that the forwards can try to escape their markers and then open up spaces on the pitch very quickly."

The 24-year-old Brazilian, who has found the net five times this season and supplied as many assists, said their German boss' training regime at Melwood had also brought in confidence to the high-flying side.

"Confidence is a huge factor out on the pitch. I think it comes through repeated quality training, which gives you belief in your ability as well as... transfer your work... onto the pitch," he added.

"Attacking midfielders need to play with happiness. By that I mean dribbling at pace and making things happen. If you repeat that every day, then you will tap into the perfect mental state to be creative."

Liverpool host 17th-placed West Ham United on Sunday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
TS Galaxy FC 0
Moroka Swallows 0
loading... Live
Cape Town Spurs FC 0
Richards Bay FC 0
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 933 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 452 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE