Coutinho Comforted By Barcelona Team-Mate As Nou Camp Hostlities Crank Up

Coutinho made the move from Liverpool last January for a whopping £142m to become the third most expensive player in the world.

But it has been far from a happy start to life at the Nou Camp for the Brazilian – whose dream transfer is quickly becoming a nightmare.

This season Ernesto Valverde has used the ex-Inter Milan ace predominantly on the left-hand side of a three-pronged attack with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

The result has been poor from Coutinho, who has struggled to recapture the magical performances he used to put on at Anfield.

In 53 appearances, the midfielder has scored 11 times and has come under fire from Spanish media and fans alike throughout the year.

The latest rendition of boos, however, came at a fair few decibels higher after Barcelona’s shock exit from the Champions League.

With the Catalan club 3-0 up from the first leg, Barca fans were dreaming of securing a sixth Champions League trophy.

But Liverpool utterly stunned them and the world by coming back to win 4-0 at Anfield to knock out Valverde’s men.

And on their return to the Nou Camp, the Barcelona faithful have picked out Coutinho as the scapegoat.

The 26-year-old was anonymous in both ties, being taken off on the two occasions after an hour played.

Coutinho also failed to complete the 90 against Getafe at the weekend as well, having to be taken of through injury.

However, when his number was up it only amplified the boos and jeers as the Brazil international trudged off.

AS have reported that Jordi Alba had to comfort Coutinho, who is being linked with a move back to the Premier League after struggling to win adapt to La Liga.

Sergio Busquets, another player to be targeted by the baying Barca crowd, insisted that the squad were as angry with themselves as the fans are.


“We have to be grateful to the fans,” he said.

“It seems that we’re not living in this world at times, but we are. We know how fans are feeling, but their behaviour has been spectacular.

“They showed their disappointment at first, but after that they were ten out of ten.

“We’re all p***** off, but we have to keep going. There’s nothing else for it

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