Philippe Coutinho did not make minutes during the match between Celta de Vigo and Barcelona (3-3) on Saturday because of his attitude, various Spanish media report. Sergi Barjuán – interim manager of the Catalans – wanted to bring in Brazilian attacking midfielder-cum winger as a replacement for the injured Ansu Fati, but is said to have declined due to his lack of motivation during the warm-up.
Fati injured his hamstring just before half-time and did not return in the second half. marca writes that Coutinho was the first to step out of the dugout after Fati was injured. The Brazilian would have been Sergi’s first option to replace Fati, but Álex Balde was brought in after the break. The fact that the interim Barcelona coach did not bring in Coutinho, but Balde, would have been related to Coutinho’s lack of motivation. He is said to have made a ‘lazy’ impression during his warm-up.
TV3 reports on the basis of journalists who were present at the Estadio Balaídos that Coutinho subsequently refused to come on in the second half. “I didn’t notice any of that,” Sergi said during the press conference afterwards when asked about Coutinho’s attitude. “I was focused on the game, not the players warming up. I tried to click with everyone. It should be clear that this is more difficult with the players who do not play.”
Coutinho eventually stayed on the reserve bench at Barcelona for the second time in a row for 90 minutes. The attacking midfielder annex winger, acquired from Liverpool in 2018 for 138 million euros, has played eleven official games this season, four of which as a basic player. Spanish media have labeled Coutinho as the main victim of Ronald Koeman’s departure and stated that Barcelona would like to say goodbye to him during the winter transfer window.