Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tries to deflect talk over Philippe Coutinho's future as he says: 'Phil's a Liverpool player... it's not fair to ask those kinds of questions I don't think'
- Philippe Coutinho was asked about speculation surrounding his Liverpool future
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain jumped to Coutinho's defence and answered for him
- Coutinho scored Liverpool's first in the win over Bournemouth on Sunday
- Oxlade-Chamberlain said questions over the Brazilian's future weren't fair
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain jumped in to defend Philippe Coutinho after the Liverpool playmaker refused to clarify his future at the club on Sunday night.
In another awkward television interview involving the Anfield club, Coutinho was asked whether he wanted to stay at Liverpool as Barcelona continue to target him.
But Oxlade-Chamberlain interjected to defend the Brazil international from scrutiny as he sought to divert the conversation away from his future.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Philippe Coutinho were interviewed after Liverpool's win
Brazilian star Coutinho celebrates scoring Liverpool's first goal against Bournemouth
Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison — who also irked Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with his questioning after last week’s Merseyside derby — questioned Coutinho on the speculation surrounding him.
‘I always say the same thing,’ Coutinho said. ‘I try to enjoy the moment, I like to play football and every time I go inside the pitch I try my best so…’
Interjecting, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: ‘Phil’s a Liverpool player and he’s doing really well for us. He’s been the most professional person I’ve seen all season.
Coutinho also set up Roberto Firmino to score Liverpool's fourth to cap a comfortable victory
‘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 [and] it’s not fair to ask those kind of questions, I don’t think. He gives us his all every game and that’s all we can ask from him.’
Coutinho was outstanding at Bournemouth, scoring the opening goal at the end of a weaving run before having a hand in strikes from Dejan Lovren and Roberto Firmino.
Mo Salah scored Liverpool’s other goal as they moved up to fourth in the Premier League.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was among the Reds’ better players as he continues to improve after the initial struggles that followed his £35million summer move from Arsenal.
‘I am trying my best,’ the England midfielder said. ‘I think I have made strides and I keep improving. I am trying to do everything the manager wants, I thought I did OK today.’
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