Roberto Firmino reveals exactly how Phillipe Coutinho's move to Barcelona affected Liverpool

Philippe Coutinho was a crucial member of Liverpool's squad [Photo: Courtesy]

Roberto Firmino has opened up on how Phillipe Coutinho's January departure affected Liverpool.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder moved to Barcelona as part of a stunning £142million deal.

Roberto Firmino and Coutinho are good pals [Photo: Courtesy]

Coutinho was Liverpool's technically best player and a creative member of the team, but since his switch the Reds have only lost three times in 12 games, scoring plenty along the way.

Firmino is enjoying his best goal scoring season in a Liverpool shirt while Mohamed Salah has found the back of the net an astonishing 36 times.

Firmino reveals Liverpool changed the way they played following his friend's departure [Photo: Courtesy]

When asked how Coutinho's move affected Liverpool, Firmino told GOAL : "We changed the way we played after his exit. Which team in the world would not like to have a player of the quality of Coutinho?

"But he continued his life at Barcelona and Liverpool remained strong, as we always were.

Coutinho joined Barcelona for £142million [Photo: Courtesy]

"I just worry about playing well and helping Liverpool go as far as possible in the Premier League.

"If that is achieved by me scoring goals, even better. Thank God, the goals are coming! Winning the title is difficult this season, so we will fight to secure a Champions League place again. That's one of the goals."