Watch the video of Gerard Pique going crazy with Philippe Coutinho in Barcelona training.
Philippe Coutinho was apparently injured during the summer of 2017 in order to force a move to Barcelona. Three days after Liverpool released a statement about his back injury, he was named in the starting lineup by Brazil when he was away in the International duty.
The Spanish club bid 62 million euros and 40 million add ons to secure his signature. But, the head of recruitment headed by Michael Edwards at Liverpool were stubborn about their intention to keep Coutinho.
The Brazilian made 20 appearances for the Reds and scored 12 and assisted another 8 in the process during the first part of the season. However, the Blaugrana came back for Coutinho in the summer transfer window with a huge amount worth as a direct replacement for Neymar who moved to Paris Saint Germain in the summer.
A bid of 102 million plus 40 million pounds did the trick for Barcelona to lure him to Nou Camp. He was on the brighter side of the game for the remainder of the season, scoring 10 and finding his teammates on another six occasions from 22 appearances.
After setting high standards last season, he has struggled to get integrated into Ernesto Valverde’s system. When Ousmane Dembele was out injured, the Brazilian was used as a left winger. But, he has been underwhelming this campaign by losing his place to the Frenchman who has made a great comeback this campaign.
It seems the Brazilian is struggling in training too. Gerard Pique was furious with the former Liverpool attacking midfielder when Barcelona were practicing rondo routine in training.
The World Cup winner said “Come on Phil, you’re not plugged in”
PIQUE SHOUTS AT COUTINHO:
Watch the video of Gerard Pique shouting at Philippe Coutinho.
Pique shouting at Coutinho who lost his focus: “Coutinho you’re not with us”
— G (@PassToMessi) March 8, 2019
Coutinho isn’t enjoying the best of times at Barcelona currently and Pique called for more focus from the Brazilian during Friday’s training session.
Philippe failed to reach a pass in the rondo which prompted Pique to say “Come on Phil. You’re not plugged in!” [marca] pic.twitter.com/LS5UpJ6Bov
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 8, 2019
It is no doubt that he was one of the best players in the Premier League with Liverpool. During his last six months with the English outfit, he was perhaps in the form of his life before wanting a change in the endeavor.
With his form going downwards this season, he has been linked with the likes of Paris Saint Germain, Manchester United, and Chelsea. Despite all these claims, Ernesto Valverde has rubbished reports about his potential department and said that he is just going through a tough phase.
🚨[RMC Sport] | Paris Saint Germain wants to sign Phillippe Coutinho in order to take revenge after Frenkie De Jong’s snub. pic.twitter.com/1XPFcDBb5R
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) March 8, 2019
“What I like about Coutinho is that he’s daring and he’s always prepared to take the opposition on,” Valverde said when asked whether he was worried about the former Liverpool man’s form.
“He makes things happen. After that, sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t. He’s had good chances and the fact that he’s getting into those positions one-on-one with the goalkeeper is really good.
“He’s not converted those chances this time – but he will.” said Valverde.
❗ The team believes in Coutinho and the players are convinced that sooner or later, he will get back on form again. The players believe that he can succeed. Valverde is giving him plenty of confidence, more minutes than ever and the dressing room agrees with this choice [sport]
— FC Barcelona Fl 🏆 (@FCBarcelonaFl) February 7, 2019
📰 [SPORT] | This is not the Coutinho Barcelona signed for €160 million.
🔹The Brazilian was disappointing against Real Madrid.
🔸Fans grew tired and so did Ernesto Valverde, who had no choice but to replace him with Messi on 63 minutes. Much more has to be demanded from him. pic.twitter.com/IqCiTZReGD
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 7, 2019
Barcelona’s director Guillermo Amor praised his qualities and is sure about his qualities and the expected output from him in the future.
“We are happy with his performances. He has to give us a lot, and he will.
“Every time he plays he shows his quality. He takes risks, he tries to make things happen. He is being watched through a magnifying glass at the moment but we believe he’s going to keep moving forward.” Amor said.
There is no doubt that the quality available at stake, but Coutinho is expected to step up his game as the Blaugrana are certain to win the La Liga and Copa Del Rey this campaign, but they continue to press for Champions League trophy.
