The former Liverpool star’s big money move to the Camp Nou promised to be a mega additional to Barcelona’s attack. However, this has quickly turned sour and fans aren’t happy. The Brazilian international has since failed to live up to his monumental price-tag in La Liga. The Copa Clasico was not different.
While he has showcased regular flashes of his undoubted brilliance in the colours of the Spanish giants, Coutinho has also been consistently criticized for his passive tendencies, in particular during this season.
He has only scored 8 goals and provided 5 assists across all competitions to this point in the season, forcing him to be confined to the bench when all of Ernesto Valverde’s attacking options have been fit and available.
Prior to the game Barca legend Hristo Stoichkov penned an open letter to current Blaugrana attacker Philippe Coutinho, amid a difficult spell for the Brazilian at the Camp Nou.
Part of the letter reads:
“Barça isn’t an easy club and during my first few months there, I suffered like you.I know how it feels when things aren’t turning out how you want, but I’m convinced that with hard work and sacrifice you’ll move forward because you have all the quality you need to do that. You are one of the best foreign players to have played for Barça.
“You’ve got a lot of football in you to give Barça and the only thing you should be thinking about is enjoying your game. Enjoy it like you do with Brazil. I tried to enjoy playing like I always did with Bulgaria and I ended up enjoying myself exactly the same with Barça.
“Never let yourself be disheartened because, from what I’ve seen, the fans are with you and want to see you succeed. Understand that they’re the best fans in the world and they’ll support you always – like they did with me.
“Lastly, a small favour. Please do not even think about joining another club, which is something I’ve read might happen in the press. There is no other club like ours. That’s why they say it’s more than a club. And anyway, you wouldn’t find another club with mates like Messi, Suárez and Co. with whom you have a great time doing what you love most – playing football,“.
However, the semi-final match between Barca and Real indicate that the 26-year old is out of sorts, after being outperformed by Malcolm. With Malcom taking this chance to shine and Ousmane Dembele due back soon, the possibility of a summer departure for Coutinho is more likely than not.