- Sadio Mane speaks to the press ahead of Spartak Moscow tie
- Praises ‘world-class’ Coutinho ahead of the key Champions League
- SEE MORE: Bullish Coutinho promises to ‘give something back to the fans’
Sadio Mane has waxed lyrical about team-mate Coutinho, following the Brazilian’s jaw-dropping performance for Liverpool v Brighton.
Our no.10 created three of the goals, but made headlines for his genius free-kick, which he purposely stroked underneath a jumping wall.
According to Mane, Coutinho is constantly practising his set-pieces on the training ground, but doesn’t give out any tips to his fellow attackers!
“Philippe is one of the best players in the world and his free kicks are amazing,” Sadio Mane explained in the pre-match press conference.
“I always try to learn from him but I think he doesn’t want to teach me! He is always practicing and that’s why it’s easy for him to score in the games.”
Coutinho shouldn’t worry too much… He’s scored 18 goals from outside the area since arriving at Liverpool in 2013, more than any other player in England. Free-kick duty is well and truly his, and his only!
We expect both Coutinho and Mane to start against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League tonight, and likely against Everton in this coming Sunday’s Merseyside Derby, too.
Mane should play the more advanced role on the left, with Coutinho given more freedom centrally to create chances for his team-mates.