WE’RE BIGGER THAN EVERTON

Reds star Coutinho stokes up Merseyside derby

PHILIPPE COUTINHO insists he isn’t worried about a revitalised Everton becoming the new kings of Merseyside, and has told them: Just look at the table.

Everton could move to within three points of their arch-rivals if they win at Anfield in the Merseyside derby this Saturday and are on a high after losing just once in their last nine games.

But Liverpool midfielder Coutinho refuses even to think about the prospect of ending this League campaign below their noisy neighbours.

“I don’t think about that, or worry about that,” he insisted.

“Right now, Liverpool is higher in the league, that’s the reality and that’s all we have to think about.”

The Brazilian (right) will have to turn his mind to Ronald Koeman’s side next weekend, however, when the Toffees arrive for one of the most keenly anticipated derbies in recent times.

Everton haven’t won a derby since beating Roy Hodgson’s Reds at Goodison in 2010.

And they haven’t had bragging rights at Anfield since Kevin Campbell’s goal had them celebrating in 1999.

But there’s a growing feeling that Koeman’s current side are ready to break the mould – and Coutinho knows they will present a real challenge. “We will be ready,” he vowed. “The derby is a very special match for everyone, the fans and the players.

“We know what it means. The people of Liverpool live this match with so much emotion, and this time it is even more, because Everton have improved so much in recent weeks.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we know we have to win, for our fans, for our morale and for everybody.”

Coutinho will be aware of the progress being made over the other side of Stanley Park since Koeman took over – especially after Liverpool needed a lastgasp Sadio Mane goal to win 1-0 at Goodison in December.

But you won’t catch him throwing many compliments Everton’s way.

He said: “Of course, I know about Koeman, he was a very big player and you can see he is also an excellent coach.

“But I’m not following him and I don’t know anything else about him.

“I just concentrate on my own club. Liverpool is my only focus and my only interest.

“I don’t even think about any of our rivals

– and that includes Everton.

“All I want to do is to help this club get into the Champions League and finish as high in the table as we can.”