Coutinho shares fans' glee for new season

The Brazilian schemer was a central component of the Reds' race towards the Barclays Premier League trophy earlier this year, playing a key role in an eventual runners-up finish.

After a summer in which he impressed continually, both in training and numerous warm-up matches, the No.10 is all set to launch into his second full campaign in England.

He does so with great hope and expectancy too, feeding on the reliable energy from the fans and taking confidence in the transfer business conducted by Brendan Rodgers this summer.

"We share the same feeling with the supporters," Coutinho told Liverpoolfc.com about his emotions ahead of the opener against Southampton on Sunday.

"We feel it coming from them and it has a good effect upon us. The squad are very motivated - we've been working really hard to be prepared for this season.

"Our ambitions are similar to last year's, although with a greater focus on the trophy this year as we were very close to winning it last season.

"And certainly the fact that Liverpool have brought in new, high quality players will help us to produce another great season."

Eight strikes in 50 appearances for the club represent a respectable tally for a midfielder who has added a layer of combativeness to his fanciful talent moving into attacking areas.

He is not satisfied with that number, however, and pledged that an increase in goals is at the top of his personal list of areas to improve across the upcoming campaign.

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Coutinho continued: "There's a lot to improve and one of my objectives for this season is to score more goals.

"I also want to increase my participation during games. Both are things I try to work hard on and improve in training.

"I am ready and I hope all goes well this season with me and mainly with the team. We want to have a good campaign, as we had last year. It'll be particularly important this year with having the Champions League to play."

Liverpool's season begins with a home fixture against Southampton, now managed by Ronald Koeman and with a new-look squad following their dealings in the window.

The Saints were 1-0 victors on their last visit to Anfield, leaving Coutinho in no doubt as to the size of the task ahead in trying to register what the team consider to be a crucial first triumph.

"It's very important indeed," the 22-year-old said of the tie. "Last season we started well and won the first three games, which helped us push on in the league.

"It's really important to start off on the right foot. I believe we had good preparation during pre-season and we're ready to start the league.

"Although they might be a bit unknown to us at the moment I'm sure it'll be a very difficult game. All matches in the Premier League are tough.

"That includes Southampton, who usually have very good players and try to play good football. They'll be a strong side hence we must keep working hard, as we've been doing."