Not all of the Catalan press is crazy when it comes to Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool fans have seen months of insults sent the way of their club, and a general lack of respect, and a real arrogance coming from much of the media close to Barcelona.
But it would be wrong to dismiss all Catalan angles, some are more sensible. Miguel Rico puts together columns for Mundo Deportivo, and isn’t scared to question Barcelona, or explain just how difficult a transfer is going to be.
On Thursday, Rico once again criticises Barcelona’s bragging about being able to afford Coutinho in the winter market. Liverpool’s owners FSG will have been ‘left annoyed’ by the public comments, with the journalist pointing it was never only about money for the club anyway.
Barcelona’s actions in that situation are deemed ‘reckless’, perhaps letting ego get in the way of best practice, a scenario which doesn’t seem a stranger to the Catalan club these days.
Whilst a Coutinho transfer is stated as possible, it’s certainly not considered probable by Rico, who suggests Barcelona should concentrate on doing things right, rather than bulldozing in and sometimes being saved by the work and goodwill of others, representatives and selling clubs.
If such advice is taken, Liverpool can perhaps expect a more respectful approach next time around, but the damage is surely already done.