Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool news: Why Jurgen Klopp is missing Philippe Coutinho - Michael Owen
LIVERPOOL are missing the creative spark of Philippe Coutinho, claims former Reds striker Michael Owen.
Owen was speaking after Liverpool’s shock 2-0 Champions League defeat to Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday night.
The Reds now have a fight on their hands to qualify out of Group C as they have just six points from four games.
They face a trip to Paris Saint-Germain next before ending the group at home to Napoli in December.
Owen reckons Liverpool still have got what it takes to get through, claiming they perform better against stronger opposition.
Obviously Coutinho has long gone now, but he had that little bit of guile to break a team down that sat back
However, he claims Liverpool struggle to break down weaker sides who look to sit back and hit them on the counter.
And Owen says that is something Philippe Coutinho would bring to the team when he was at the club.
Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona in January for a fee of around £146million.
“I think so (the way PSG set up will play into Liverpool’s hands),” Owen said on BT Sport.
“I think Liverpool playing against better teams over the last period of time, last five-10 years, Liverpool play well against the better teams.
“They almost suit them, they come out to play, Liverpool can nick the ball back in dangerous areas and go and attack.
“Breaking down teams, obviously Coutinho has long gone now, but he had that little bit of guile to break a team down that sat back.
“Liverpool have got pace in their team but if a team sits back, you need a little bit of imagination.
“I think it just makes it easier against those better teams.
“Liverpool need one big result from the last two games now.”
Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday when Fulham visit Anfield (12pm).
The Reds will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the league this season.