Coutinho, Sturridge discuss their Liverpool futures

Matt Stead

Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge have both indicated that they wish to stay at Liverpool.

Both started on Sunday as the Reds secured Champions League qualification for only the second time in eight seasons with victory over Middlesbrough.

Coutinho scored Liverpool’s second in a 3-0 win and has been linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid, while Sturridge’s relative lack of playing opportunities have led to rumours of a move away.

However, both players stated their commitment to the cause on Sunday – provided that Jurgen Klopp wants to keep them this summer.

“I have a long contract with Liverpool,” Coutinho told ESPN Brasil. “Speculation is for journalists only.

“We started the season very well, I started well. But then in the middle the performance regressed.

“Then we bounced back, I finished the season at a high level.

“The whole team is playing well, today was a very important victory, next season it’s the Champions League.”

Sturridge was quizzed by Sky Sports over his own plans, and the striker stated that he was “happy” at Anfield.

“That is for the club to decide, for myself I am enjoying my football,” he said when asked about his future.

“My job is to go on the pitch and put my best foot forward.

“There is nothing to discuss really. I have two years left on my deal and I am happy here.”