Liverpool fans who followed the transfer closely will no doubt have been annoyed with the Catalan media over their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho and reporting of the potential move.
The disrespect shown to Liverpool was apparent throughout, and when it became clear Coutinho would be staying at Anfield, further stirring began.
Just a few days ago Catalan newspaper Sport tried to stir up the idea of trouble between Coutinho and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, also getting the fans involved.
In one article, Sport claimed:
‘The fans criticise Klopp for not starting Coutinho’
‘Coutinho reappeared in Liverpool against Sevilla, but the fans got angry with Klopp’
‘Liverpool fans are upset with their coach, Jurgen Klopp, for how he’s handling Coutinho’s case’
It was petty and simply untrue.
The Madrid media have battled with their Catalan cousins for decades, wrapped in the Real Madrid v Barcelona rivalry, so it’s no surprise that Marca have quickly run Coutinho’s quotes committing himself to Liverpool.
Having spoken to ESPN Brasil, Coutinho is quoted by Marca as saying: “What happened is that I received an offer of work, and in life sometimes you are interested and sometimes not, and in my case, as everyone knows, I was interested and my family too.
“It was a difficult month for me. Now it’s all over and I have to concentrate on making a good year and helping my team, thinking about Liverpool and the national team.
“I have always respected Liverpool, the fans, the players and the managers. But it’s a great honour to receive an offer from a great club.”
There’s no suggestion of mutiny at Anfield, and Coutinho has made it clear he’s now back to being a committed Liverpool player. A poke in the eye of the Catalan press.
