Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino says he ‘prefers not to think’ about the prospect of his club and international teammate Philippe Coutinho leaving the club this summer, after intense speculation over his future.
Coutinho has been subject to two bids from La Liga giants Barcelona- both of which have been rejected by Liverpool- whilst the player himself has submitted a transfer request in order to facilitate a move.
Speaking after a 2-1 win at his old hunting ground Hoffenheim in Tuesday night’s Champions League qualifier, Firmino told the Liverpool Echo, “I prefer to not think of this (Coutinho leaving) because it would be awful.
“He’s a great player but also a great friend to me. It is normal that great teams are interested in his football but my concentration is now on the team.”
Both players are due to join up with the Brazil squad later in August for September qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia, it remains to be seen whether they are still teammates at club level at that point.
