Klopp spot on as Barca plot Coutinho exit

AS Barcelona struggle to find a club that is willing to buy Philippe Coutinho, his departure for Spain in January 2018 was considered a major blow for Liverpool, except Jurgen Klopp.

Many felt the Reds would struggle to recover from the loss of their talisman with fears Klopp’s revolution could be stopped in its tracks.

But they have gone from strength to strength since Coutinho’s exit, with a host of players stepping up to fill the void and create a winning machine on the verge of their first ever Premier League title.

Few have impressed in the last two years years as much as Coutinho’s Brazil teammate Roberto Firmino.

Whilst many have been surprised by the ease from which Liverpool moved on from Coutinho, it has seemingly come as no shock to Klopp.

“I don’t think he has stepped up but maybe it is more obvious because his situations are not overshadowed by Phil Coutinho’s situations.

“He’s a very important player and he doesn’t always have to be the standout player. As often as he can be, that’s good.

“I don’t think he’s underrated. Not anymore. I don’t know what other people think about Roberto Firmino.

“I can imagine a bit because you ask me about it. I have no idea. People with a football brain judge him right. That’s how it is.”

He expanded just a few days later in an interview with The Guardian, hinting that he saw an opportunity to use Firmino instead of Coutinho to improve the balance of his side, a move which has paid dividends.

With Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham among the teams linked with the midfielder, Barcalona would like at least £72 million (RM378m) for the sale of the 27-year-old this summer.

Coutinho has failed to live up to expectations at the Nou Camp since his £142 million (RM746m) move from Anfield.

In a desperate bid to reignite to his career, the Brazilian flop was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich this season.

But Bayern will not take up the option to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

He has scored nine goals and contributed eight assists across all competitions, but the Bundesliga giants plan to send him back to Barca.

It is reported that Barcelona could ship him out on loan for another season if they do not sell him this summer.

Coutinho has ruled out a return to Liverpool, but has attracted interested from a number of Premier League clubs. It now depends how much Barcelona are willing to lose in order to get him off their books. – Daily Star/Agencies