Reds ace hails Liverpool duo in 'fantastic' performance against Chelsea

Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring in their 3-1 win over Chelsea

LUCAS LEIVA was full of praise for Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho following their impressive win over Chelsea on Saturday.

 

Despite the Blues taking the lead, two goals from Coutinho and a late Christian Benteke strike gave the Reds a convincing 3-1 victory that piled more misery on Jose Mourinho.

Coutinho had only scored once this season - in their opening day victory over Stoke - prior to Saturday's brace and his Brazilian team-mate was delighted that he finally ended his drought with two impressive strikes.

“I’m delighted for Philippe because he was probably trying too hard to score the goal and make things happen," he told the club's website.

“In this game he was really relaxed and not too worried, and at the end he has scored two fantastic goals which is what you expect from a player like him.”

 

Lucas hopes Roberto Firmino will develop a strong partnership with Coutinho

Jurgen Klopp has put his trust in fellow Brazil international Firmino after impressing in their Capital One Cup victory over Bournemouth last week.

And with the 24-year-old playing in a more central-attacking role, Lucas hopes Firmino can build a strong partnership with Coutihno.

“Roberto played there for the national team as a No.9, and he has played there for Hoffenheim as well, and it’s a position he feels comfortable in,” he added.

 

“Of course he’s not a target man like Christian is, but he gives us another option with his movement and opening the space up for the other guys to run into.

“When a new player comes in for a big fee the expectation amongst the people is always really high. He was quite unlucky at the beginning of the season because he got an injury and it stopped the momentum for Roberto a little bit.

“The last two games he has already showed what he is capable of doing and he has a good partnership with Philippe as well.”