Phil: We must think about Augsburg before Wembley
The prospect of silverware has Philippe Coutinho in determined mood this week but the Liverpool playmaker is not looking beyond the second leg with Augsburg for the time being.
Wembley beckons for the Reds on Sunday as they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final, offering the chance to claim the club’s first trophy for four years.
A decisive Europa League clash against Augsburg must be navigated before then, though, and Coutinho insists the focus remains on the German side until the tie is complete.
The No.10 said: “Winning a trophy with Liverpool would mean a lot to me. It is a very important game but we have to think about Augsburg first and then the final.
“We have a good chance to win the trophy and we have to give everything to take this opportunity. Everyone knows it is very important.”
Coutinho has made an instant impact since returning from injury at West Ham United earlier this month, scoring from a free-kick that night and helping to inspire a 6-0 victory at Aston Villa.
“I am happy because I am back playing,” the Brazilian added.
“It was a bad time for me when I was out of the squad with injury but I am happy now. I hope I can give my best between now and the end of the season and help my teammates.”