Midfielder’s rallying cry ahead of cup final
Phillipe Coutinho has said that Liverpool can finally break the ‘nearly men’ reputation tonight in the Europa League final.
Coutinho has experienced more than his fair share of disappointment in just over three years at Anfield, ranging from Liverpool’s close challenge for the Premier League in 2014, the League Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat in February, and semi-final exits from both domestic cups in 2015.
But tonight, Liverpool have the chance to write themselves into Anfield folklore again and win the Europa League, with arguably the biggest prize on offer being the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season, if they beat current holders Sevilla.
Coutinho said: “The expression we use in Brazil is ‘We hit the post’ on quite a few occasions recently so it will be really important for us to finally achieve something and win something with Liverpool.
“That will be special for everyone across the club and the whole of the squad.”
“Personally for me winning the trophy is the most important fact,” he added.
“The positive consequence of winning the trophy is getting a Champions League spot but the squad are focused on the trophy.