Liverpool’s defeat by Manchester United was the turning point in their season – and they are determined to beat their rivals this weekend to boost their top-four hopes, says Philippe Coutinho.
Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 3-0 at Old Trafford in December but have since gone unbeaten in the Premier League – winning 10 of their next 13 games – to reignite their bid for a Champions League qualifying spot.
Ahead of the Super Sunday clash at Anfield – live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12.30pm - Liverpool trail fourth-placed United by two points – and Coutinho says he and his team-mates are desperate to overtake Louis van Gaal’s side.
“We will do everything to come out victorious,” the Brazilian midfielder told Sky Sports.
“These are two teams fighting for the same position, so for sure it will be a very difficult game, very complicated, where both want to win at any cost.
“It is an extremely important game. We still have a few games until the end of the season, so of course this is a game to give us confidence as well - and also to make the final stage a positive one.”
Rodgers changed his team’s formation to a 3-4-3 against United and while the system failed in Manchester, it has since reaped rewards, with Liverpool topping the form table in 2015.
Coutinho believes the Liverpool players have improved in that formation week-by-week and now, ahead of the return fixture with United, are full of belief.
“The coach changed the formation and the team fitted in well,” he added. “That, little by little, gave us confidence and we won games.
“Now the team is very confident, we have been doing many of the things the coach asks.”
Coutinho has been a key figure for Liverpool this season, featuring in all but three of their 29 league games. He signed a new long-term deal with the club in February and the 22-year-old insists he is enjoying his time at Anfield.
“I have always been very happy here,” he said.
“From the time I arrived, all at the club, the people of the city have always treated me well. They are very happy people, like Brazilians, so since I arrived here I am happy.”
