Klopp quashes Coutinho Barcelona speculation

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has moved to quash links between Brazilian attacker Philippe Coutinho and Barcelona. Coutinho has caught the eye with consistent performances this season, for club and country. This has led to a slew of stories linking the player with a big money move to Barcelona to play alongside international teammate Neymar. Coutinho […]
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sambafoot_admin
2016-11-18 18:44:00

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has moved to quash links between Brazilian attacker Philippe Coutinho and Barcelona. Coutinho has caught the eye with consistent performances this season, for club and country.

This has led to a slew of stories linking the player with a big money move to Barcelona to play alongside international teammate Neymar. Coutinho and Neymar have been good friends since their adolescence, having played together in Brazil’s youth teams.

Ex Barcelona midfielder Xavi also stoked speculation by describing the Brazilian as “perfect” for Barca. “There are not many players that can improve Barcelona, but if you are asking me if he is one of them, on this form, I think he is. Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona’s philosophy well.”

However, Klopp was quick to refute speculation during his Thursday press conference, “It’s about creating a perspective where nobody wants to leave. My opinion is that he feels very well here. We also hope and think his future is at Liverpool. He’s still very young. Very good players you always want to keep long-term.”

Ex Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard believes the Reds may have a fight on their hands, “I know that the Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, will come looking for Philippe in a few more seasons, just like they did with Luis.

“And that is when it will get tricky for Liverpool because the lure to go to one of those two clubs is strong for any South American or Spanish player. Until that happens, Liverpool should really treasure Philippe.”