The Liverpool Lip: A happy Coutinho is a dangerous Coutinho

After the summer transfer window drama between Liverpool FC and Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho has returned to the club looking happy and healthy.

During the montage of offers from Barcelona, Coutinho took some time off the pitch due to back problems. Although he was photographed training with the Brazil squad just days later, LFC remained adamant that his back was the cause of his absence.

We all know though that the Brazilian let the Barcelona chance go his head. Since being a boy, it has probably been Coutinho’s dream to play for a huge La Liga team. Surely enough, one came knocking. But with Liverpool firm on their decision, Coutinho remained at Anfield.

The excellent news for Kopites is that Phil has released a statement confirming he is ‘over his summer meltdown’ and ready to give Liverpool his all. Exactly what we needed to hear after a lacklustre start to the season.

 

The magician is back

After returning to training with his teammates, Coutinho’s first game back saw him score an absolute stunner of a goal against Leicester City in the Premier League. The little magician smashed home a beautiful free kick and celebrated with intense passion and enthusiasm in front of the travelling Kop.

His love for Liverpool certainly hasn’t gone away, and that was evident in the way he riled up the away fans. Our love for him certainly never went away either. Not really.

Like two lovers after a marital spat, Kopites and Coutinho have found their way back into each others’ arms.

What’s more is that with no signs of further injury or problems, the Brazilian will be available to start against Maribor in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

 

An important replacement for Mané

The latest news that has shook the Liverpool fanbase is Sadio Mané’s injury statement. The African winger is reported to be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury. Fans are in absolute turmoil.

With the Senegalese star set to miss huge games including both Maribor clashes, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, tensions are high. Mané has been Liverpool’s best player since he joined the club in 2015. But a certain magic man is back in town.

With new signing Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to support him, Philippe Coutinho’s time to shine is now. He definitely has the talent and ability to step up in Mané’s absence and prove to us and his teammates how much he wants to stay at Anfield.

With photos of him laughing and joking during training sessions, it’s clear Coutinho definitely didn’t mean it when he said he was unhappy. The blow of missing his Barcelona chance hit the magician hard but the sharks are already circling him again.

Twitter sources have announced that Barca are already lining up a January swoop for him. But it’s October, so lets leave the business for the transfer window, amigos.

 

Playing out an early exit

It seems to be inevitable that Liverpool FC will allow Coutinho to leave in January. Despite signing his five-year contract less than nine months ago, he could be offered an early release to join La Liga.

Although no one wants to see the back of the Number 10, it’s extremely likely that Klopp will agree to Barcelona’s offer. If Coutinho can give us a few months more of fantastic football, I will wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

He hasn’t gone about his failed transfer like a diva and he’s picked himself up and brushed himself off like a real sportsman.

His devotion to the club has been that of true Liverpudlian spirit. Something Steven Gerrard himself would applaud. But there comes a time in every footballer’s life where he must move on to where will give him the best opportunities.

Coutinho will truly flourish at Barcelona, as much as I hate to say it. But from one Scouser to another, I want him to go on and be happy. And as long as he is humble, he’ll never walk alone. Once a red, always a red.

 

Written by Georgia Goulding

Follow Georgia on Twitter @gjgoulding

Check out her excellent football blog: Football, Findings and Fiction

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