27 May 2015

Anfield Alert: Legend urges £25m star to quit Liverpool and sign for La Liga giants Barcelona

In January 2013, Liverpool committed daylight robbery by stealing attacking maestro Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan for a measly £8m fee, and since then, the Brazilian has enhanced his reputation at Anfield to the extent that Brazil legend Ronaldinho claims his fellow countryman is now good enough to play for La Liga giants Barcelona.

In an interview this week, Ronaldinho - who spent 5 years at the Nou Camp - urged 'fantastic' Coutinho to set his sights higher than Anfield:

"I know what Barcelona look for in a player and he [Coutinho] has all those qualities.

"Xavi has left and Iniestia is now in his 30's - they will need to address that. That is why I think Barcelona and Coutinho would be the perfect fit.

"Not only would he win trophies, but playing with Neymar, Messi, Suarez, Iniesta, is going to make him a better player"


Unfortunately for Liverpool, £25m-rated Coutinho idolises Ronaldinho, and he confirmed this once again back in January, when he told the official LFC website:

"I’ve always enjoyed seeing Ronaldinho play and I watch videos of him to take as an inspiration."

Coutinho referenced Ronaldinho last season, too, when he named the former world 'player of the year' as one of his idols:

“My idols are Kaka and Ronaldinho, who play in the same position”

With this in mind, it's highly probable that Coutinho has a lot of respect for whatever Ronaldinho has to say, and unless he lives in a cave, Liverpool's number-10 will undoubtedly be aware of these comments.

As such, this could be the start of a process that may conceivably lead to Coutinho having his head turned (if it hasn't been already, that is).

Coutinho recently insisted that he's 'happy at Anfield', but let's be realistic: if Barcelona come calling, there's only going to be one winner.

Additionally, after Liverpool's abject failure to progress this season, Coutinho may already be casting a covetous eye at Luis Suarez's success at the Nou Camp.

As for Coutinho's suitability for Barcelona: In my view, there's no way he'll get into a team that contains Suarez, Neymar, Iniesta, and Messi.



Plus, Coutinho is a number-10, not an 'El Centrocampista' like Iniesta (who often plays deeper than a traditional number-10) and he's not prolific enough (with goals or assists) to challenge the likes of Neymar and Messi.

Still, the lure of the Nou Camp is irresistible for most players. If Barca express an interest, I fully expect Coutinho to be interested in a move, and to be fair, given the state Liverpool are in at the moment, who could blame him?

If Liverpool want to keep Coutinho in the long-term, then it's imperative that Reds start challenging for major honours sooner rather than later. Is the club capable of doing that under the current management?

Time will tell.

Author: Jaimie K


114 comments:

  1. He'll follow that well trodden path at some point, no doubt. Just hope we can keep him long enough to add some more quality and become relevant before he goes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. "...and unless he lives in a cave..."

    Oi, nothing wrong with living in a cave! I still get internet, so I'm sure he could ; )

    ReplyDelete
  3. At the currant rate, Coutinho should be on his way next summer. Be wary if stories of an improved contract for him start circulating around November - that's a sign he's on his way.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's just another unprovoked attack by JK on the cave dweller. High time he was called out for this prejudice against the peaceful troglodyte.

    ReplyDelete
  5. As a peaceful troglodyte myself, I concur ; )

    ReplyDelete
  6. Barca would be too much too soon for Coutinho at this point in time I think. He needs a couple of years more development before he could stand a chance of nailing down a place that team

    ReplyDelete
  7. If we want Couts to continue to improve and reach 'world class' levels then we also have to expect interest from big foreign clubs. Liverpool is currently a good place for him to develop and I think he's smart enough to get that. In a way it's encouraging for player and fans to hear such a ringing endorsement from a footballing great. Happily I think Coutinho does actually appear to be a kid who just wants to play football, so build the team around him and I think we will get another couple of seasons from him before we need worry too much.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This. Hopefully.

    ReplyDelete
  9. We underestimate how much playing better players helps footballers improve. Coaching is important, but playing against players that push your boundaries every day in training is crucial to improving between matches.

    ReplyDelete
  10. PhilosophyDude9:44 am, May 27, 2015

    I don't believe Coutinho is going anywhere soon, although another season like the last and we may well lose the better players, they are entitled to play at a level suitable to their qualities, if that quality is not matched by the ambition of our club, then what can we expect...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yes Bruce Wayne manages to stay in touch

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unfortunately for Coutinho and fortunately for Liverpool...he has not reached that level yet. In fact I think he is too inconsistent and will need to address few things in his game if he wants that big move.

    ReplyDelete
  13. let's be realistic Liverpool is currently manage by this small time boss that eat his own words, put ur self in coutinho's shoe, would you wanna play for a massive club small time manager?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Even if it means sitting on the bench coutinho will jump the ship. I doubt most players will be happy playing RWB /LWB under Rodgers . The only thing Brendan hasn't done is playing Centre forward in goal

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well he's been injured

    ReplyDelete
  16. Remarkably prophetic of his mum and dad to call him that. They must have sensed something.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jokes on you Ronaldinho! Cout always dreamed of playing with Milner and Benteke...In your face!

    ReplyDelete
  18. squirrel!..no...a bird!..no..dammit I thought I had it...

    ReplyDelete
  19. That was his dad Luke

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'll give you a clue - Meatloaf

    ReplyDelete
  21. Off topic 14 FIFA reps have been arrested for taking bribes i know its not going to get Australia or England the world cup but hopefully its enough to shake up the football mafia.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Good luck to the kid if he would like to improve himself.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Exclusive!! Rodgers has at last won a medal!! The tactical genius gave invaluable insight about formations which led to the destruction of the Death Star.."Well we had a wee bit o luck, I think Luke is outstanding..He's such an outstanding person and young man" I've been watching him since he played for Scunthorpe as a boy, I always said he had the force in him".."outstanding"

    ReplyDelete
  24. A..dead ringer for love?

    ReplyDelete
  25. There is no way Coutinho is going to play for any club with a current transfer embargo.

    ReplyDelete
  26. For crying out loud!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Don't forget his mum, Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  28. I was looking for a female name and couldn't come up with one ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Nothing substantial will change. This is a mere overhaul of the lieutenants.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Won't be long before we're all calling it Soccer

    ReplyDelete
  31. And eventually "sucker"

    ReplyDelete
  32. It is at least going to expose them well and truly for what they are and hopefully leads to Blatter gettin the boot.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Yeah I had to think really hard about that one, and it still wasn't that great. That's 20 mins of my life I'll never get back. Cheers ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Suprised you haven't written an article based on The Stars story that LFC have approached Ancelotti to take over... After all, they say he is a huge fan of the club and the only club he wants to manage......blah blah blah...

    ReplyDelete
  35. There's me thinking I was the last caveman about...

    ReplyDelete
  36. "I ain't watchin' no soccer, sucker! Yo makin' me mad, fool!" Something like that?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Just signed a new 5 year deal a couple of weeks ago.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I hope it does that kind of exposing. But Blatter's not been arrested, so my idle and baseless speculation is that his interests have pulled the rug out from under his former allies' feet, perhaps because they expressed opposition to his about-turn regards a fifth term at the helm.They've all got dirt on each other, and this reminds of Maroni versus Falcone versus Fish in the series Gotham. The corruption is systemic, and I'm not sure clearing out part of the old guard will change that.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm all for it, as long as he gets the main say on transfer policy.

    ReplyDelete
  40. He's taking a year long break for back surgery. Not happaning

    ReplyDelete
  41. LFC job looks like it may become available, and everyone of note takes a sabatical....ouch!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Selfish! Why can't he sacrifice his health for my vicarious happiness?

    ReplyDelete
  43. The last thing I want to see is Blatter exposed. I've just had breakfast.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thank you for that :(

    ReplyDelete
  45. To be honest this was always going to happen, and Liverpool has a history of their best players leaving... From Mcmannaman to Suárez...

    Heck, even United could not keep Ronaldo when Real came calling.

    That's why we need to have a system in place where we can replace outgoing stars. For us to do that we need to be successful. United had a poor season but because of their success and financial power they were able to rectify most of of their issues. Even this season, they have already bought a player before the window has even started.

    This a big summer of Liverpool... BR and committee, don't mess up.

    ReplyDelete
  46. African or Jamaican ?

    ReplyDelete
  47. It's Barcelona... They will find a way around it.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I just hope the big boys don;t come for Migs, Allen and Johnson.....I could go on

    ReplyDelete
  49. Nothing will happen mate, they will be realesed.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Don't! I can't n even fathom such a tragedy!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Liverpool IS a selling club ,and will stay that way untill it challenges for titles !

    ReplyDelete
  52. Did someone say Bruce Wayne... Do you want to know how I got these scars?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Please ask RAY... "Why so serious?"

    ReplyDelete
  54. With Rodgers at the helm Coutinho leaving is more than likely! Rumours are circulating that Ancelotti has been aproached for the job I would take Ancelotti in a heart beat he has proven himself time and again in Italy, England, France and Spain.... Klopp and Ancelotti are available and both have a soft spot for LFC the board would be fools to miss out on either of these proven quality managers

    ReplyDelete
  55. He's got a better chance of bat-ting for the Red Sox

    ReplyDelete
  56. The Swiss dont mess around

    ReplyDelete
  57. We shall see but have some faith.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Maybe you are only replacing bad for bad but at least these guys know they will have to be a lot more careful and will be looking over their shoulders.
    At least too the countries they represent will likely sack and shame them.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Just seen that video of the players dancing on the way to Dubai, grrrr! They should be hanging there heads in shame after that shambles of a performance it goes to show how little they care about the club. I am not saying they shouldn't go on holiday but dancing and singing after a defeat like that against Stoke does annoy me if they put half the enthusiasm they did dancing into the game then it would be a different story.It's not as if they don't get paid enough LFC are a paycheck to many of the players I wouldn't show my face for a week if I was in that team that got stuffed by Stoke 6-1 but that's the difference to giving a crap and not. Rodgers boosts the players ego's and it gets them thinking to the point they think they are above the club and the best at everything ever...he treats them like 5 year old children 'Fantastic and amazing' are thrown around to easily with Rodgers but that's the kind of thing you say to your little kid when he comes home from school with a drawing of a crap Giraffe that look like a dog with a very thin neck and say 'Wow! That's amazing it's fantastic it's the best giraffe ever" Haha! And all because you just can't bring yourself to break the kids heart. But the difference is these players are adults and paid stupid money to do a job.....

    ReplyDelete
  60. Let me sleep on it Baby, Baby, let me sleep on it!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Jamie these mgid adverts are getting too saucy for work! Anyway I can control these?

    ReplyDelete
  62. They'd rather paint their fence than come here...? : (

    ReplyDelete
  63. "Sucker" is reserved exclusively for our transfer committee

    ReplyDelete
  64. pathetic. seasons finished. stop crying.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'd like him calling the shots. At least we'd get quality in.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Neanderthal. I predate both those cultures ; )

    ReplyDelete
  67. Any more games like Palace and Stoke and you will be...

    ReplyDelete
  68. Best performance of the season though, IMO.

    ReplyDelete
  69. "I bet your the best dancer in the world and Michael Jackson would be in awe" Is what Rodgers said to the players during the wonderful rendition of "Kolo Yaya" they all got a gold star and a lollipop

    ReplyDelete
  70. Yes, Rodgers would never be able to sign a player of Coutinho's quality.

    OH WAIT.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Fact ,Sometimes thought of as dumb brutes.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Whats that got to do with anything I know like everybody else does Rodgers signed him? I can't see your point! OH WAIT! What about Aspas, Asaidi, Sakho, Lovren, Moreno, Markovic, Balotelli, Borini, Moses, Cissokho, Manquillo, Allen, Alberto...I could go on do you just dismiss them of the back of just because he signed Coutinho! I guess if you throw enough darts at dartboard one of them will hit the bullseye! Coutinho is an ambitious and talented player who want's to win things once he starts getting the attention of the big teams his head will get turned until Liverpool show the ambition and desire then players leaving will be a regular thing.

    ReplyDelete
  73. There is an extension for Chrome to avoid adverts.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Gob of the South2:29 pm, May 27, 2015

    Advertising Standards Authority website is interesting today, on the Rulings section!!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Yeah why not.. they did it last year to buy some half decent chap didn't they ?

    ReplyDelete
  76. Ancelloti as Director of Football and BR will be given 3 days to decide if he wants to stay on as his number 2 - THATS MY TAKE ON IT

    ReplyDelete
  77. You bite your tongue Stuart.. things are bad enough already with Glen Johnson leaving..

    ReplyDelete
  78. Nice one Ash - Easily the best performance of the Season by our multi talented squad - Shame we did not enter them in the Eurovision Song Contest last week What song won = WERE ALL HEROES ??

    ReplyDelete
  79. That's not how you reply here.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Breaking news - We are leading the chase for Boltons number 2 goalkeeper - a guy called Adam Bogdown - rubbish keeper but brillant song and dance man TOURE TOURE

    ReplyDelete
  81. Cheers Chirag - Got it wrong - What do you mean again ??

    ReplyDelete
  82. So am i the lucky one here?

    ReplyDelete
  83. That would be interesting. If he is willing to learn from the first time that he had an offer to work under LVG but he refused. Hope he sees the need to have a senior and more experienced person to help him when he goes down too much on his path of asking players to adapt to unfamiliar positions...if he stays on and isnt sacked

    ReplyDelete
  84. i meant that you don't reply to any comments. ..but then you surprised me.

    ReplyDelete
  85. We are going all English this summer.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Ancelotti has always been a d*ck like that...

    ReplyDelete
  87. He'd rather have a painful back operation and long recovery period rather than to follow BR

    ReplyDelete
  88. Brilliant news.even his name is brilliant. Fingers crossed on this one. Hopefully brendan can get it over the line! !

    ReplyDelete
  89. I certainly hope so. Incremental improvements, I guess. Yup - the countries must come to the party. Accountability is key!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Now he's been shown up to be spineless...

    ReplyDelete
  91. We've got the Welsh Xavi, the Northern Irish Guadiola with his highly sought after dossier. Sponsored by Andrex. Our tikka tikka was clearly on show this season. Coutinho is not going anywhere!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Only sometimes... ; )

    ReplyDelete
  93. lol ba dum tisch...

    ReplyDelete
  94. Tikka, mmmmmm, indian food....

    ReplyDelete
  95. You forgot Lovren who is
    "Dejan Lovren best centre-back in Premier League, says CIES study" and he is ranked 12 across Europe

    ReplyDelete
  96. That's probably because they only studied 12 defenders.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Ranked across 12 old people's homes in Bournemouth!

    ReplyDelete
  98. That is why all these statistics are bullsh@t in football.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Did Jaimie promise any gifts to the one who manages to get a reply from RAY? I am over the moon today.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Orme will be as sick as a Parrot

    ReplyDelete
  101. With a pinch of salt.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Toure and Wisdom have signed new contracts and now we are going for a 27 year old second string keeper from Bolton. If we don't win the league next year it won't be for want of trying.

    ReplyDelete
  103. I can't really disagree with Ronaldinho. Nor could I blame Cou if he left. FSG gave him 90k a week whilst they offer Raheem 30 k more. The kid is not even worth 30 k less than Cou, let alone 30k more.

    ReplyDelete
  104. If that's the prerequisite then I must be one too

    ReplyDelete
  105. Decent breakfast for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  106. tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock..........bye phillipe.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Lol.. even if we were winning the PL season in season out, if Barc came calling he would go.


    Lets face facts here, doesn't matter what team you are playing for, when Barcelona or Real Madrid come knocking on your door you go.


    I can not remember the last player who turned down a move to either club.

    ReplyDelete
  108. To be fair using barc isn't the best example.

    How many players have ever turned down Barc.. or Real for that matter.



    I get what your saying but use another club next time

    ReplyDelete
  109. This article was written by somebody who is brain dead.suggests the only reason why Phil would consider leaving LFC to play for Barcelona is coz his idol suggested it.think if Barcelona come in for him he would go in a heartbeat weather he'd suggested it or not.on the flip side had he suggested Bolton instead he consider that coz his idol said so.don't think so.

    ReplyDelete