'Milan derby? This is more passionate'
He may already have experience of the famous Milan derby, but Philippe Coutinho expects his first taste of a Liverpool match against Manchester United to be something altogether different.
The 21-year-old wore Inter Milan colours in a clash with city rivals AC Milan twice during his spell in Italy, before Brendan Rodgers swooped to bring the Brazilian to Anfield in January 2013.
Coutinho arrived too late to face United in the 2012-13 season; however, on the eve of the next chapter in their long-running battle, he explained how word of mouth has taught him what this fixture means.
"I've not had the chance to play United yet but from what I have been told about the history between the clubs, it's even more passionate and stronger than the Milan derby," said the No.10.
"Football is more disputed in England than it is in Italy. Every match is a very hard match because the referee doesn't blow his whistle as much as in Italy and every team plays against each other like it is a final.
"I enjoy it more in England because you have to think quicker. The pace of the game is faster so you don't have much time to think.
"I think United will carry on as usual because they have the same great players. Only the manager is new and I'm sure they want to win as much as they ever did. They have big players.
"Just because they have changed managers does not mean they have lost their way. We want to make up for the time lost and want to get back at them and winning this match will help us do that. We feel exactly the same as they do about this game."
Coutinho has proved a revelation with Kopites during his seven months on Merseyside with his effortless dribbling, incisive distribution and clinical eye in front of goal.
Withdrawal at half-time when Chelsea visited Anfield in April, though, was a reminder to the Brazilian himself that there is always room for improvement.
He continued: "I know that last season against Chelsea I did not do as well as I should but that's all in the past now. It's a new season and I think it will be different for me this time.
"That Chelsea game was very intense, all the players were close to each other and I found it hard to get into the rhythm of the game.
"Now I have had the experience, I know what to do to be prepared for matches like this and play better. That's what I aim to do.
"I know the expectations are higher on me now because I've played more matches and done well. But I need to keep improving to make the supporters happy.
"I know I can improve. I know I have to be ready for every single ball, every pass, every challenge. Everything has to be at 100 per cent. You can give no advantage to the opposition player and that's how I intend to approach this game against United."
A key feature of Coutinho's impressive performances in Red has been his immediate partnership with Daniel Sturridge, who has benefited immensely from the former's through balls.
Earlier this week, the striker revealed how he shouted at his younger teammate to produce a winning goal at Aston Villa - and the No.10 expanded further on their linguistic approach.
"We're always joking off the pitch and I keep telling him to learn Spanish or Portuguese because it would help me more," said Coutinho.
"He is always looking to teach me things to help us combine better on the pitch, but in English. Last week he did it against Aston Villa and I told him to say it in Portuguese.
"Once Luis is back - and I think he is at the same level as Neymar - he and Daniel will help us a lot. Daniel is an excellent player and always makes his runs at the right time.
"I think he's similar to a Brazilian player because he is so quick with the ball at his feet. He has the qualities to be a Brazilian player."
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