Coutinho puts sick note in bin

LIVER POOL’ S Philippe Coutinho defied doctor’s orders by playing in Saturday’s victory. the Brazilian had lost three kilos in three days due to illness. He had not trained. the sensible thing would have been to stay on Merseyside and recuperate — a decision manager Jurgen Klopp supported.

But Coutinho had other ideas, sending for his driver to whisk him off to the team hotel at Crewe Hall just hours before kick-off.

After coming on at half-time, along with international teammate Roberto Firmino — who looked fit enough to start — the 24-year- old turned Liverpool from lifeless to liberated almost instantaneously.

‘they asked me to stay at home because I was not feeling well,’ said Coutinho. ‘ But I wanted to be here. I wanted to be involved with the team.

‘It was a big win. I think the team played well — not just individuals.’

Firmino and Coutinho’s zest brought new enterprise to Liverpool, their goals turning the game round after Jon Walters’ 44th-minute opener for Stoke.

But Liverpool were also indebted to much-maligned goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who made two stunning saves to thwart Charlie Adam and Saido Berahino.

‘It doesn’t happen very often that you can score a goal as a keeper, but this was similar,’ said Mignolet.

‘the manager said afterwards that I had to make sure I don’t give any corners away and I have to keep the ball in my hands — he is always there to have a joke.’

Klopp said: ‘there was never a doubt that Simon is a top keeper, He’s a fantastic, hardworking guy. It was his day, 100 per cent.’