Coutinho Still Harbours World Cup Ambitions

Although the World Cup is still two months off, Liverpool attacking maestro Philippe Coutinho is keeping his dreams of playing for his country in this summers show-piece event very much alive.

As the Reds look to knock Chelsea out the title race and cement their own place at the top of the table when the two sides meet tomorrow at Anfield, the 21-year old has his mind firmly focused on the task at hand. “The players know how important these remaining games are” he told Liverpool’s official website, “and we will fight and do our best on the pitch to make winning the league happen.”

The youngster has played a key-role in Liverpool’s charge for the title this season, and with five goals and seven assists to his name, he’s hoping his domestic form will get him an international call-up. “It is a very special moment, with Liverpool going for the title and my country staging the World Cup” said Coutinho. “Don’t forget the saying “Brazilians never lose hope” – I still hope to play for Brazil at the World Cup. This could be a very special two months.”

Coutinho has flourished on Merseyside since his move from Inter Milan last January and he’s hailed the influence of the Liverpool way of playing, and boss Brendan Rodgers, for his growth as a player. “Now, with Liverpool, I am moving faster still and thinking even more quickly. It just felt right for me here from the outset” he enthused. “The team have been playing with a great deal of freedom in attack and that has helped me adapt so easily.” Hopefully, it’ll adapt you right into Phil Scolari’s plans…