Coutinho’s plea to fans
NEW Barcelona signing Philippe Coutinho has told Liverpool fans he hopes they understand why he left for the Nou Camp in a £142million switch.
The 25-year-old Brazilian’s five-year stint at Anfield ended at the weekend when Barca finally struck an agreement with the Reds.
“Since the moment I arrived in Liverpool, me and my family have been made to feel so welcome and have made so many friends,” he wrote on Instagram. “On the pitch and off the pitch, we have experienced the beauty of this club and its fans. I hope the supporters understand that choosing to experience something new is not about diminishing their importance to me or the club’s importance.” MARK Robins knows he has a job on his hands trying to keep hold of Coventry City’s latest teenage star Tom Bayliss.
The Sky Blues boss was reluctant to talk at length about the young midfielder after his standout showing against Premier League opposition, Stoke City, in Saturday’s sensational 2-1 FA Cup third round giant killing at the Ricoh Arena.
Bayliss is already on the radar of both Tottenham Hotspur and Derby County, according to reports.
The Mail Online claims scouts have been monitoring the central midfielder in recent weeks. The 18-yearold burst onto the first team scene just a few short weeks ago when he was thrown in at the deep end with his full senior debut against Cheltenham.
He scored within the first two minutes and hasn’t looked back, playing every game since, amounting to six consecutive appearances – all of which have been eye-catching and to a consistent level.
Asked about his latest contribution against the Potters, Robins joked as he held back from expanding on the conversation: “He’s really good isn’t he?
“He’s really good but we’re just keeping his feet on the floor and will try to hold on to him as long as possible because he’s important. He’s a good, good player.”
We look at Bayliss’s story so far: Bayliss joined the club at the age of 12 from the Leicestershire junior league, signing for the Sky Blues Academy.
He worked his way up through the age groups and his leadership qualities shone through as he captained the Under-18s to league success last season.
He progressed to the Under-23s development side this season, playing regularly before dipping his toe into the first team with two late substitute appearances against West Bromwich Albion Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy, and Boreham Wood in the FA Cup.
He has quick feet on the ball, being able to turn quickly in tight areas and drive forward on the attack.
He has the ability to pick out difficult passes and battles well against more experienced players. Bayliss possesses plenty of confidence and is not afraid to run at players.
Scored his first goal within the opening two minutes of his full league debut.
He stood out against Premier League opponents Stoke City.
“He’s a really intelligent lad who has handled it really well. But again, he will take it in his stride but it’s not massive for him.
“This is something he has trained for all his life and if you get that opportunity it can’t be something that scares you, because that’s when you’re not ready.