Reports: Barcelona to blame for Coutinho’s aversive behaviour

Liverpool FC midfielder Philippe Coutinho is yet to feature for the Merseyside club this season with an ‘apparent’ back injury that he suffered right after Barcelona made their first bid for the Brazilian.

Despite continuous interest from the Spanish side and Liverpool addressing them that Coutinho is not for sale by making an official statement last earlier this month, Philippe Coutinho handed in a transfer request within hours of the official statement. Which did not sit well with the fans, Klopp nor the owners of the club.

But according to new reports from Brazilian newspaper Estadao, Barcelona are said to have forced Coutinho into handing a transfer request and to make his intentions clear to the Reds of never wanting to play for them again.

Coutinho was forced to not train or play for the Liverpool under the instructions of his representatives which has already seen him miss three games this season including an all-important Champions League playoff game which Liverpool manage to win without his services.

Barcelona reportedly gave Liverpool until 7 pm on Sunday (20th August) to agree to their £113 million bid for Coutinho. Liverpool remained adamant on their decision to keep the Brazilian this summer as they refused to respond to the Catalan club’s watered down bid which included several add-ons and clauses.

Liverpool will take on Hoffenheim at Anfield on Wednesday as they look to seal their Champions League group stage berth with a convincing win over the visiting German team.