Brendan Rodgers: Philippe Coutinho Nearly Substituted Before Scoring Winner

Brendan Rodgers was effusive in his praise as he reflected on Philippe Coutinho’s stunning late winner at Stoke City on Sunday -– but admitted he was close to substituting the Brazilian.

The No. 10 ensured the Reds began the 2015-16 season with a 1-0 victory after he netted with a long-range strike with just four minutes remaining at the Britannia Stadium.

However, afterwards Rodgers confessed Coutinho, who played just one pre-season game due to his late return to Melwood after starring in the 2015 COMNEBOL Copa America, was set to be replaced by Danny Ings as the visitors looked to press home for a winner.

“I was very close to taking him off,” Rodgers told reporters. “We felt towards the end of the game, in the last 15 minutes, Glen Johnson had started to get a little bit of space on the left side and we’d moved Phil out from the central area onto the left.

“But we still wanted to win the game, so we were looking at making a positive change –- so he was going to come off and we were going to put Danny Ings on.

“But when you score the goal, your mind changes. I’m glad I kept him on!”

“I think he’s shown his quality for such a young player,” Rodgers added. “He’s only been back three weeks in training, so he’s not at the top of his fitness.

“It was a great turn, he’s got away from the midfield player and hit a wonderful strike. It was a great strike to win the game.”

The moment sparked wild scenes of celebration among the traveling Liverpool supporters, who serenaded Coutinho off the pitch following the full-time whistle.

“It was definitely one for them,” said Rodgers. “I think you saw the happiness at the end. They can be proud when they drive back home tonight.

“The supporters at this club, the minimum they want to see is effort and commitment — they’ve seen that [today] and I think they’ll be proud of the team. It was a great victory for us and now we can look forward to the Bournemouth game.”