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LIVERPOOL

Philippe Coutinho: "Klopp lets us do whatever we want"

The Brazilian midfielder says the manager actively encourages individual freedom and creativity in his team tactics at Anfield. Australia-Brazil live online

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Philippe Coutinho: "Klopp lets us do whatever we want"
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Klopp gives Coutinho and Co. free rein

Philippe Coutinho hailed Jürgen Klopp's management style at Liverpool, revealing he lets players do more or less whatever they want on the field of play. The playmaker paid tribute to the Anfield boss after being presented with the Samba Gold award, given to the best Brazilian player in Europe.

Voted for by fans and journalists as well as current and former players, Barcelona forward Neymar finished in second place for the 2016 award, with Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro coming in third position.

Philippe Coutinho with the Samba d'Or Trophy
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Philippe Coutinho with the Samba d'Or TrophyJohn PowellLiverpool FC via Getty Images

Coutinho thanks Klopp

After Coutinho was presented with the trophy on Wednesday, he thanked Klopp. "We work hard as a group and of course Liverpool has great players," Coutinho said to the club's website. "The coach demands a lot from the group. Everyone has been playing well this season and has done what the coach has asked for. And in relation to that, the coach lets us do what we want on the field.  Of course, everyone has their responsibility, when they do not have the ball, they should mark, be in their position, defend.  But he lets us do what we want. No one feels pressure to determine who will make decisions and who will defend. Everyone works together, as a group." 

Of his award success, Coutinho added: "It means a lot. I'm very happy to know that this past year I have been recognised by many people. 

"It was an important year for me and I'm very happy to win this award. It was a good year. As a team, we played very well and we managed to get to two finals, but unfortunately we lost them. That was a very difficult time but it certainly made the group stronger."

Follow the live coverage match of Premier League Week 29 between: Liverpool vs Everton.