Philippe Coutinho made a bad turn last weekend. The Brazilian was summoned to Celta de Vigo (3-3) by Sergi Barjuán to warm up after Ansu Fati’s injury, but made so little move that part of the player group has now turned against him. According to Mundo Deportivo a number of experienced players have had enough of Coutinho’s attitude, which also leaves something to be desired during training sessions.
Fati injured his hamstring just before half-time and did not return in the second half. Coutinho was the first to step out of the dugout for a warm-up and would have been Sergi’s first option to replace Fati, but had to watch as 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 due to Coutinho’s lack of motivation. He would have made a ‘lazy’ impression during his warm-up, according to the Spanish media.
The protagonist himself, who is currently preparing with the Brazilian national team for the World Cup qualifiers with Colombia and Argentina, is not aware of any harm. “I was very surprised when I saw the news because I have never been unprofessional in my entire career,” said Coutinho. “They can check with the clubs I’ve played at, I’ve always been respected by everyone. Since I got fit, I just haven’t had a series of four or five games that showed my best level.”
TV3 previously reported on the basis of journalists present at the Estadio Balaídos that Coutinho would have 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 the midfielder’s attitude. “I was busy with the game, not with 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 and winger, who was acquired from Liverpool in 2018 for 138 million euros, has played eleven official games so far this season, four of which as a basic player. Spanish media have labeled Coutinho the main victim of Ronald Koeman’s departure and stated that Barcelona would like to say goodbye to him during the winter transfer window.