We must focus on ourselves, says Liverpool’s Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho insists Liverpool must focus on their own game and not get distracted by the form of local rivals Everton.

The Reds meet Ronald Koeman’s resurgent Blues in the Merseyside derby on Saturday with Liverpool hoping to consolidate their place in the top four and dent the Toffees’ late push for a Champions League place.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are fourth in the Premier League with 56 points, six ahead of Everton in sixth.

Coutinho acknowledges Everton’s good run puts extra emphasis on the clash at Anfield, and believes the only way to come out on top is to not get too distracted by events at Goodison Park.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“The derby is a very special match for everyone, the fans and the players,” he said.

“We know what it means. The people of Liverpool live this match with so much emotion and this time it is even more because Everton have improved so much in recent weeks.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we know we have to win, for our fans, for our morale and for everybody.

“I just concentrate on my own club. Liverpool is my only focus and my only interest.

“I don’t even think about any of our rivals – including Everton. All I want to do is to help this club get into the Champions League and finish as high in the table as we can.”