Coutinho: Our derby passion is as intense as the fans'

Philippe Coutinho says that Merseyside derbies are just as intense and exciting for the Liverpool players as they are for the fans.

The Reds are on a 12-match unbeaten run against their Everton rivals and Coutinho says Liverpool will need no extra spurring on at Anfield in Saturday's early kick-off.

“I’ve experienced these games both home and away and the intensity is equal with the fans," Coutinho, who scored for Brazil on Tuesday night, told liverpoolfc.com.

“The week before the game, you can’t wait to play, and if you win the level of joy you give to the fans is amazing. They’re the victories you always enjoy.”

See: In photos: Reds prepare for derby