Philippe Coutinho says Liverpool still target top four despite Manchester United setback

Philippe Coutinho is still confident on Liverpool chances to secure the Premier League top four ahead of their next crucial games against Arsenal on Sunday 4 April. The Merseysiders lost an opportunity to climb to the Champions League places on the weekend after suffering a disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Manchester United on Sunday 22 March.

So while the victory over Louis van Gaal's side would have led them to steal them the fourth place, the defeat have left the Merseyside's five points away the top four. But the Brazil international has claimed that the target to qualify for the Champions League has not changed.

"Top four is our target. Unfortunately, we lost an important game against Manchester United, but there are many matches left and they will still have to play other clubs at the top of the table. We still have a big chance of finishing in the top four," Coutinho said to Standard Sport.

While the Liverpool situation may not be as good as expected with eight games remaining, the 22-year-old has expressed his delight for his personal season, after becoming a crucial player in Rodgers' line-up while recently signing a new long-term contract at Anfield.

"I am very happy at Liverpool. I've been learning a lot with Brendan Rodgers and from the experienced players in the squad as well," he said.

"He [Rodgers] has always given me confidence since I arrived there. He was very helpful since the beginning. He asks the offensive midfielders to help on marking when we haven't got the ball, and he's been helping me improve on it in every training session.

"My function is to defend without the ball and that is something our team does well: pressuring without the ball. Then, when we've got the ball it is easier. That is one of the reasons we are playing well and consequently individually we also improve."

The Brazilian, who is currently with his national team, believes that he has given a step forward in his career during this season but still has much room for improvement.

"Sure I have improved from last year - especially on marking as it is something my manager requests from me a lot. I am happy with my form but I know I must keep improving. I do think I need to improve on scoring more goals and that is something I am working hard at."