Coutinho angers Barcelona teammates with poor attitude
Barcelona players questioned Philippe Coutinho's attitude following their draw with Celta Vigo.
The Brazilian former Liverpool player has had a torrid time in Spain since he joined for a reported £142 million deal in January 2018.
And on Saturday he was accused of 'excessive laziness' as his side blew a three-goal lead to fall further behind in La Liga.
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What happened?
Youngster Ansu Fati went down injured shortly before half-time with Barca leading 3-0.
With legendary midfielder Xavi due to take over at the Camp Nou, Sergi Barjuan was the stand-in boss for the day and he signalled to Coutinho to go get warmed up.
But his approach to that warm-up was described as lackadaisical and this allegedly angered his temporary boss.
Instead, Barjuan opted for Alejandro Balde to replace Fati, leaving Coutinho to sulk on the bench for the rest of the match.
Barcelona saw a second-half collapse that culminated in a 97th-minute equaliser from another former Red in Iago Aspas.
What did Barjuan say about Coutinho after?
After the match, Barjuan denied the incident had any bearing on his decision.
I’ve had to take decisions and he did not play today
- Sergi BarjuanHe said: "I didn’t focus on any of that, I was watching the game, which was very demanding.
"In 10 days I’ve felt everyone gets along with me.
"It’s clear that with those who haven’t played it’s harder. I’ve had to take decisions and he did not play today.”
Coutinho has never hit the heights expected of him following his move from Liverpool.
What next for Coutinho?
An unsuccessful loan spell in Germany with Bayern Munich didn't help Barcelona. They have struggled to move him on and recoup anywhere near what they paid for him.
He has recently been linked with a return to England with Newcastle following their takeover.
Barcelona are desperate to get him off their books and free up some much-needed funds and wages given their current financial woes.
