Klopp backs Coutinho return to form for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Philippe Coutinho will eventually rediscover his superb early-season form and put his recent inconsistent displays behind him.

Coutinho struggled for fluency in last Sunday’s 2-1 win over Burnley at Anfield and has yet to hit top form since returning from an ankle ligament injury in January.

The 24-year-old Brazilian was a huge influence in Liverpool’s surge towards the top of the Premier League table in the first few months of the campaign, but his side are now battling for a Champions League place after falling off the pace.

He will, however, be facing a team on Sunday that tends to bring the best out of him in Manchester City, who he has scored against on five previous occasions.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Klopp said: “The influence of Phil on the game is really big. If he is not at 100 per cent, you miss something, that’s how it is. But two weeks ago we played Arsenal and he did really well.

“Yes, Burnley again was not the best game, but he misses in this moment – which is pretty normal after a long injury – this kind of consistency.

“But the training week so far was perfect, he presented himself really [well]; it was fluent, confident and looked really well.

“There are always steps in this direction. Sometimes it works. It’s about, in this moment, consistency. But he is in a really good way.”