I´ve just read today an interesting articel on SPIEGEL ONLINE (german) about Coutinho. The core statement is: Former Barca Sporting Director Robert Fernández saw Coutinho as an direct replacement for Iniesta (midfield). But Klopp knew already, that Coutinho isn´t a midfield player for a 4-3-3 formation (at least against strong teams), because of his weak physical conditions. Valverde thinks the same even more consequent and labels Coutinho as a striker. His competitors are Messi and Dembélé (+Suarez). Sounds like pretty bad scouting from Barca.
Philippe Coutinho Barcelona Player
- Thread starter Damien
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I´ve just read today an interesting articel on SPIEGEL ONLINE (german) about Coutinho. The core statement is: Former Barca Sporting Director Robert Fernández saw Coutinho as an direct replacement for Iniesta (midfield). But Klopp knew already, that Coutinho isn´t a midfield player for a 4-3-3 formation (at least against strong teams), because of his weak physical conditions. Valverde thinks the same even more consequent and labels Coutinho as a striker. His competitors are Messi and Dembélé (+Suarez). Sounds like pretty bad scouting from Barca.
It's weird how they can spend so much on a player, 3rd most expensive in history, without a clear vision for what to do with him.
Sounds about right. Roberto Fernández was an abysmal sporting director, like Zubizarreta.
Well, and that's the problem. Bartomeu knows eyes are on him. What will be the excuse? "Hey folks, we won the 2019 Champions League - remains to be seen- with Dembélé and Arthur, give me a break" and/or "Roberto!!! Roberto Fernández signed Coutinho, not ME!!"...
Maybe he could play the Lingard role for United
They basically shat themselves as soon as they lost Neymar. This was a direct consequence of that
I always thought he's too talented to be a flop, same as Dembele.
His problem is Messi does his work in central areas and Barcelona have to support that tactically. So in essence, Barcelona have to play a variation of 433 and Dembele is far more suited for that role.
I don't know how they can square all three in the same side
His problem is Messi does his work in central areas and Barcelona have to support that tactically. So in essence, Barcelona have to play a variation of 433 and Dembele is far more suited for that role.
I don't know how they can square all three in the same side
I think they did have a vision on what to do with him. They saw him filling the Iniesta position as a LCM that could dictate play when they ball wasn’t at Messi’s feet. But coutinho is simply too different a player, he inherently likes to shoot on sight whereas I can barely recall iniesta taking more than 5 shots from outside the box, because he was too busy being a playmaker.
Turning into a 120m bench warmer.
He has to adapt his game if he wants to play or if he wants to move to another top club.
Looks pissed off. I dont think they will be able to sell him without making a decent loss. Valverde has also no clue how to use him, since he prefers a proper 3 man midfield and out wide, Dembele is keeping him out on that position with needing width. Coutinho isnt suited to their midfield. He only can play when Messi or Dembele are injured.
Klopp used him in midfield to great effect but Liverpool play a different system.
He he he. Hope he moves to Leicester in the summer. That would be sweet.
I still dream of us bringing him back to have him play as a 10 and provide a threat from outside the box
Reckon he’s a goner this summer. Hope we steer clear.
Doesn't surprise me. They did the same with Fabregas as well, after far longer courting. He'll probably end up at Chelsea as a replacement for Hazard.
I'd take him back and I know a lot of fans would too, there's been instances in games this season where we could have done with his threat from outside the box and his free kick ability, he still hasn't been replaced either hence the Fekir chasing. If the price is right, it's a no brainer.
Bayern should try and go for him
Well obviously, but the fee would have to be embarrassingly eye watering. Like 35-40m. AND the £100m Barca tax will continue to apply.
I bet we have a sell on clause which is probably annoying Barca too.
Having an absolute stinker.
In before his fans start convincing us he is good.
Useless
He's been shit every time I've seen him play this season
Wonder how long before Barca move him on?
Think they're already looking for some mug this summer
You have to sympathize with Valverde to an extent, both Coutinho and Dembele are in terrible form at the moment. It seems whomever he picks he is making a mistake.
140 million 
Thought he was garbage. Looks lost which is surprising because the final 6 months of his Liverpool career were his best. It looked like he was hitting that next level and was ready to become a superstar.
He might end up back in the PL.
He might end up back in the PL.
Why does he start ahead of Dembele ? I know the latter is not great infront of goal but surely still better than Coutinho?
Dembele has been much better than him all season, but I think he got injured and hasn't quite regained his form back since the injury.
Hopefully we steer clear of him.
Liverpool have mugged Barcelona off for 140 mil.
Neymar is 3 times the player Coutinho is.
Liverpool have mugged Barcelona off for 140 mil.
Neymar is 3 times the player Coutinho is.
Have they ever tried playing in a diamond with Coutinho as the #10 with Messi and Suarez upfront?
Played out of position, not sure what people expect.
Was he form before he left for Barca merely a purple patch? I always found him totally erratic but he was excellent in the months leading up to his move.
Have a feeling he will score a screamer at Anfield , within the first 10 mins.. next week
Imagine playing Pogba as a out an out left winger and people wonder why Coutinho has struggled there. He was on a hiding to nothing with that tactical move.
If he moves from Barca and plays as a left sided attacking mid in a three man midfield - he’ll be a top player again.
If he moves from Barca and plays as a left sided attacking mid in a three man midfield - he’ll be a top player again.
Woody would want a piece of that actionHe's a one trick pony, that always wants to cut inside and shoot.
A good player on his day but he was overhyped to the heavens during his purple patch. Barca would be lucky to even get £60mil for him in his current form.
Not even we are stupid enough to get him or Bale but with Woody, you never know.
A good player on his day but he was overhyped to the heavens during his purple patch. Barca would be lucky to even get £60mil for him in his current form.
Not even we are stupid enough to get him or Bale but with Woody, you never know.