LONDON: It was one of those uncomfortable post-game moments when a footballer is asked an awkward question before a live television audience. Philippe Coutinho’s eyes turned toward the floor, his head beginning to shake in response to a query as to how “desperate” he was to “stay a part of this Liverpool team … at least until the end of the season.”
Coutinho — who made the degree to which he wished to be allowed to leave Liverpool for Barcelona explicitly clear less than four months ago, and who would gladly move to the Nou Camp in 13 days time were the opportunity to present itself — held to a well-rehearsed script. “Sorry,” began the Brazilian. “I always say the same thing: I try to enjoy the moment. You know I like to play football and every time when I go inside the pitch I try my best. So I enjoy the moment.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a midfielder signed by Liverpool while Coutinho was avoiding August training with what was officially described as a “sore back,” felt compelled to intervene. An arm was thrown around a team-mate who had scored a stellar opening goal in Liverpool’s comprehensive 4-0 win at Bournemouth. “He’s a Liverpool player right now and he’s doing really well for us,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain. “He’s been the most professional person I’ve seen all season, he’s been top quality from the start, and every time he gets on the pitch he does his all for the club. That’s the most important thing right now. It’s not fair to ask those kind of questions.”
The Englishman had a point. A query more reflective of the situation Coutinho finds himself in might have referenced the 24-year-old’s desperation to see his long-desired switch to Barcelona completed in the forthcoming transfer window. Or, at worse, next summer.
There are no guarantees that either trading period will permit the attacking midfielder to move from grey Merseyside to comforting Catalunya. So unsettled was the Nou Camp hierarchy by Neymar’s forced exit to Paris Saint-Germain last summer that they were prepared to pay a transfer fee worth up to €160million ($188 million) for Coutinho. Following secret negotiations in which Liverpool asked Barcelona for time to sign a replacement then bid a club-record sum for AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, the Brazilian believed the deal would go through by deadline day.
Arsenal, however, trumped Liverpool’s offer for Lemar, the France international refused to move to London, and the Anfield club stopped Coutinho’s sale from happening. “I will not say how much we offered, but (Liverpool) asked for €200 million,” stated Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Liverpool, as had been their habit through the window, briefed otherwise, sticking to a party line that the player has never been for sale and that no valuation had been presented to the Catalans.
Coutinho’s new problem is that Barca’s enthusiasm has faded, and their mid-season requirements altered. With Javier Mascherano poised to depart for the Chinese Super League, the La Liga leaders need a new central defender. With Manchester City’s pursuit of Lionel Messi forcing Barca to sweeten what was already the richest agreed remuneration package in football to belatedly sign that new contract, the club’s tight finances are yet further strained.
The net effect is that Barca are not willing to transfer as much cash to Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for the little Brazilian as they were in those panicked days of August. According to a Barcelona source, they do not want to pay more than €100 million for the player. Liverpool are asking for €110 million guaranteed, and €140 million in total. “The club is tired of not being able to negotiate in reasonable terms,” said the source.
They are also working on an alternative for Coutinho’s position. Brazil youth international Arthur’s release clause stands at €50 milllion, Barca reckon they can get the 21-year-old out of Gremio for €30 million, and have opened negotiations on the deal. Gremio are trying to maximize their income, floating interest from Real Madrid and other “big, very big, clubs in Europe”, but whatever that produces, Arthur is a far cheaper option.
Liverpool are also in danger of missing a boat. The Premier League club is pursuing Lemar again, yet are unlikely to secure him from Monaco at a discount. Should Barca stick to their current negotiating position, the net profit on exchanging Coutinho for the Frenchman will be considerably slimmer than last summer.
Yes, a winter sale saves face for Liverpool’s owners, but is face more important to FSG than profit? Coutinho, meanwhile, is not bothered about how things look. He just wants to be playing football and enjoying the moment in a better place.
Both Philippe Coutinho and Liverpool may not get what they want in Barcelona transfer saga
Both Philippe Coutinho and Liverpool may not get what they want in Barcelona transfer saga
’Flag can fly’ as Russia wins first Paralympic medals in 12 years
- IPC has allowed six Russian athletes and four from their allies Belarus to represent their countries
- Voronchikhina said: “For us it’s been a really long time when we were without a flag
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy: Russia won its first Winter Paralympic medals since 2014 on Saturday as Varvara Voronchikhina and Aleksei Bugaev claimed bronze in the women’s and men’s downhill standing events in Cortina.
Despite Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has allowed six Russian athletes and four from their allies Belarus to represent their countries, accompanied by their national flags, rather than competing as neutrals.
The move sparked a backlash with Friday’s opening ceremony being boycotted by seven countries, including Ukraine, and the Russian delegation was booed by some spectators in the Verona Arena during the athletes parade.
Speaking after winning her nation’s first medal since the 2014 Games in Sochi, 23-year-old Voronchikhina said: “For us it’s been a really long time when we were without a flag.
“I’m really glad and all my country and all my teammates also.
“I’m very happy because it’s the first medal for me.”
Russia was banned from the 2018 Games due to a doping scandal, although some athletes were permitted to compete under neutral colors.
Russia and Belarus were then banned from the 2022 Paralympics following the invasion of Ukraine, although they were permitted to compete as neutral athletes in the Paris Summer Paralympics two years later.
Four years ago,
Voronchikhina said that four years ago in Beijing, she was ready to compete before Russia was suspended by the IPC.
“In Beijing we were there,” the Paralympics debutant said. “I had third training in downhill and after we (had to) go back home.
“For me it was really, really sad and I hope in these Games I will be better and it will be.”
Later on Saturday, three-time gold medallist Bugaev picked up the eighth medal of his Paralympic career as he finished third in the men’s downhill standing.
“It was a difficult medal, I would say, even one of the most difficult of my career,” he said. “But I am very happy that I can represent my country again.”
The 28-year-old added: “It’s nice when you’re not deprived of anything, not restricted, not forced to not reveal yourself, like it was in Korea (2018) for example, when they combined the two colors of our flag.
“We’re just happy that we can compete here on equal terms. And even more so to bring home a medal so that the flag can fly.”
Both Voronchikhina and Bugaev received a polite smattering of applause from the crowd at the bottom of the Olympia delle Tofane piste as their medals were placed around their necks during the podium ceremonies.
At least one Russian flag was held aloft in the stands to greet their success.
