Their hopes of closing the 14 - point gap to leaders Chelsea appear remote .
Coutinho knows a win over Pep Guardiola 's side could be a crucial step towards securing a return to the Champions League next season .
Although their hopes of closing the 14 - point gap to leaders Chelsea appear remote , Coutinho knows a win over Pep Guardiola 's side could be a crucial step towards securing a return to the Champions League next season .