COUTINHO OPEN TO BARCA MOVE
LIVERPOOL forward Philippe Coutinho has refused to give assurances about his future after one of the finest nights of his five-year Anfield career.
With Jordan Henderson rested ahead of Sunday’s derby, the Brazil international was made captain and responded by scoring a hattrick in the 7-0 demolition of Spartak Moscow which sealed Liverpool’s place in the Champions League knockout phase and set a record for the highest number of goals by an English side in the group stages. Manager Jurgen Klopp refused to discuss Coutinho before the game while Liverpool’s No 10, linked with a move to Barcelona, was deliberately vague.
‘I don’t know how the future is going to be,’ said Coutinho.
‘What will happen in January, we will know it in January. I do not know if there will be an offer. I am at Liverpool and always do my best, respecting the jersey and supporters.
‘Last summer there was a job offer in the same way that happens with any employee and I was interested. Since I stayed, I have played with will and desire. It was a special night due to the result and because I had the arm- band.’ Coutinho was imperious against Spartak and his understanding with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino evoked memories of his relationship with Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling in 2013-14.
But there is an anxiety among fans that Coutinho will join Barcelona in January after they had three bids rejected in the summer. Oscar Grau, Barcelona’s chief executive, said in October that the club intended to return for the 25-year-old in the winter window.
Should Liverpool maintain their blistering form when the Champions League resumes, they will be a threat to the biggest teams. ‘It was a really good night,’ said Coutinho. ‘At Anfield the atmosphere is amazing. I always say the fans here are unbelievable.’
Spartak’s youth captain, 19-year- old Leonid Mironov, was yesterday charged with racially abusing Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster. UEFA acted after an incident during Wednesday’s Youth League clash at Prenton Park. Liverpool reported Spartak after a complaint by Brewster, 17, who had to be restrained by team-mates at the end.
The club also complained about Spartak in September after winger Bobby Adekanye was racially abused by Moscow fans.