Coutinho: All of us want to lift that cup

The Reds welcome Chelsea to town for the Capital One Cup semi-final, first-leg tie with a place in March's showpiece final against either Tottenham or Sheffield United up for grabs over the course of the 180 minutes.

It's an opportunity Coutinho is determined to ensure Liverpool take full advantage of.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "I've never played at Wembley and it's always been an ambition of mine to play there.

"It would be so special to walk out there for the first time in a cup final.

"Everyone is excited about the prospect of playing at Wembley and we want to take this opportunity.

"Chelsea are a great side who are very difficult to play against but we're in good form and we want to get through. We all want to lift that trophy."

Standing in the way of Coutinho and Liverpool achieving that goal are a Chelsea side who opened up a five-point lead at the Barclays Premier League summit at the weekend.

It's a team that also contain a few familiar faces for the Reds' No.10, with fellow Brazilians Oscar, Willian, Filipe Luis and Ramires within the Blues' ranks.

"I came here to win trophies and the Capital One Cup is a great chance to do that," continued Coutinho.

"Trophies are what makes players - it's what you are remembered for.

"It also makes the history of a club. We are in a great position to try to win this competition.

"I am friends with all the Brazilian guys at Chelsea, and we speak now and then.

"But those friendships are outside the pitch. On the pitch it is a different story. It's a professional thing.

"Our fans are expecting Liverpool to win this game and it's important we get a good result in the first leg at Anfield.

"We want to get an advantage to take to Stamford Bridge."

Liverpool have already tackled Chelsea at Anfield this season, but were on the receiving end of a 2-1 league defeat in early November.

However, with a run of eight games unbeaten behind them, Coutinho feels Jose Mourinho's men will encounter a different Reds side, who'll have the backing of a vociferous Kop behind them.

"We started the game well that day and went in front but then we made some mistakes and got punished," the 22-year-old recalled.

"Probably the major difference now compared to then is the confidence in the team.

"It's pretty much the same players but we are feeling much more confident now. It has got higher and higher with the positive results.

"The team is now in a much better moment than the last time we faced Chelsea. We're performing better and improved our game. Hopefully this time we can beat them.

"It's always special to play at Anfield and it makes such a difference for us when we play with the fans right behind us.

"The players feel different at Anfield. The fans really spur you on and encourage you to give your best. The crowd can play a key role in this match."

Coutinho has been in sparkling form in recent weeks and even clinched the club's December Player of the Month accolade after a fans' vote on this website.

The playmaker has been pulling the strings from a central berth in a 3-4-3 formation, but though pleased with his performances, he's eager to add an extra clinical edge to his game.

"This formation has improved things not only for me but also for the whole team," Coutinho said.

"Everyone is finding their feet now. I really enjoy playing in that central role where I can try to make things happen.

"I know I need to improve the number of goals I score. It's a personal target of mine and I also need to do it to help the team.

"I know if I score more goals then I'll be able to make a bigger contribution to the team and that's something I'm really working on."