Phil’s an amazing player but we can still be a great side without him

IT’S BUSINESS as usual declares Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Liverpool start life without Philippe Coutinho.

But Oxlade-Chamberlain knows all eyes are on the Reds after the Brazilian’s £142million move to Barcelona.

And the visit of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday is the toughest test they could face in their first game without him.

It will not just be about how Sunday’s game goes for Jurgen Klopp’s side; it is more about how the rest of their season pans out after the decision to sell one of their best players midway through the campaign.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is aware those that have been left behind after Coutinho’s exit have to absorb the loss as a group, and he is in no doubt they can handle it.

“First and foremost, I am the type of person who relishes the chance to stand up and perform under pressure. I have had to do that my whole career,” said the former Arsenal midfielder, 24.

“At a massive club like Liverpool people are going to come and go and whoever remains it is our job to keep the wheels moving and keep the momentum going. whether that is true than a visit from Manchester City for an encounter that could have a huge effect on the Reds’ top-four hopes, but Oxlade-Chamberlain insists Coutinho will not be on their minds. “I’ve got every respect for Phil and his decisions, I wish him all the best, but he is not in my thoughts right now because he is not going to be able to affect the score,” he said. “I’m more concerned about what I can do, what Mo can do, what Sadio can do, what whoever is playing will do because we are the boys now that will get the right result for the club.” While he is not foolish enough to suggest he can fill the void created by Coutinho’s departure on his own, he will be aware the result could be more playing time. At the start of the season the England midfielder struggled to get into the side as Klopp wanted him