The most expensive signing in Barcelona’s history is news and not for what he’s doing on the pitch. Philippe Coutinho was part of a strange episode at Balaidos. After Ansu Fati’s injury, Sergi Barjuan asked for the Brazilian to warm up. The cameras captured an excessive laziness on the part of the former Liverpool footballer, who eventually ended up not playing a single minute.

His intensity when getting up to warm up was very low and after the break, the chosen one to replace the injured Ansu was Alejandro Balde.

Interim coach Sergi Barjuan was asked about the incident. “I didn’t focus on any of that, I was watching the game, which was very demanding. In 10 days I’ve felt everyone gets along with me. It’s clear that with those who haven’t played it’s harder. I’ve had to take decisions and he did not play today.” 

Coutinho is one of the players whom Ronald Koeman liked and his sacking is bad for the Brazilian. Barcelona would like to sell him in January if they can.