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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Fabinho explains his Liverpool change and the trend that can beat Man City to title

Fabinho believes Liverpool are showing definite signs of champions as he revealed the change he's had to make to become a success under Jurgen Klopp.

The Brazilian, who arrived from Monaco in a deal worth almost £40million in the summer, has emerged as a key midfield figure for a Reds side chasing a Premier League and Champions League double.

Fabinho helped Monaco win their first title in 17 years when they ousted Paris Saint-Germain as Ligue 1 champions in 2017.

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And the 25-year-old has spotted similarities between Liverpool's current form and that which saw his former club over the line two years ago.

"What I am seeing now I have seen before and obviously I am approaching it with optimism and belief that it can happen," said Fabinho.

"Right now we are winning games which are similar to the kind of games we were winning at Monaco and in this final part of the season, which is difficult.

"But here we already have players who have won trophies, who are experienced and last season the team got to the Champions League final. It’s a great team and every player is strong and believes.

“We’re in a good place right now with how we are playing. We have a lot of belief.

"We are pretty much playing two games in a week and despite the potential fatigue, and what that might mean, I would say it’s a good thing because we are constantly focusing on the next game and we are in like a cycle."

Fabinho believes Liverpool are showing signs they can beat Manchester City to the Premier League title (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Liverpool, who are two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table having played a game more, entertain Chelsea on Sunday.

Fabinho had to wait until late October for his first league start but has appeared in all bar one of the Reds' subsequent 23 top-flight games, starting 17 of them.

And the Brazilian admits there was one significant aspect of his game that needed to improve in order to force his way into Klopp's starting line-up.

“Liverpool are known for this ‘rock and roll’ football," he said to the Telegraph. "I think I’ve adapted well to this even if, as a player, I like to hold onto the ball longer.

“I needed time physically to improve. The intensity of it. Being in midfield, in general, you don’t have a lot of time to think and in the Premier League that’s even less of the case.

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"You just don’t have time to think. And in the first few games I think I played well but I needed to be faster.

"Jurgen Klopp wanted me to learn how to play in the team and what my role was and I think time was the most important thing in doing this.”

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