Klopp: Coutinho needs a rest
PHILIPPE COUTINHO will not be given an instant recall to Liverpool’s team after manager Jurgen Klopp explained the Brazilian is short of fitness. Liverpool’s No 10 has not pulled on the shirt since playing in a friendly against Bayern Munich on August 1. He missed the start of the season with a back problem but appeared in Brazil’s two World Cup qualifiers during the international break. Klopp said: ‘Yes, he went to the national team and trained normally, but now we have to prepare for a normal season. We saw him in training and thought, “OK! Maybe we should use him immediately” — he was really good. But that doesn’t make sense. ‘We have to continue with his pre-season. Not too long, but a few sessions.’