Evans warns Klopp will be 'DEVASTATED' if Coutinho goes
Philippe Coutinho did not feature in Liverpool’s 2-1 over Hoffenheim in their first leg of their Champions League play-off in Germany last night.
The 25-year-old was ruled out with a back problem having handed in a transfer request to the club by email last Friday, to try to push through his move to Barcelona.
Liverpool have reiterated that Coutinho is not for sale despite reports in Spain claiming a deal is close.
And speaking on talkSPORT, former Liverpool boss Roy Evans claimed that Klopp would be “devastated” if Coutinho was to leave the club this summer.
GETTY
Jurgen Klopp will be devastated if Coutinho leaves Liverpool warned Roy Evans
He said: “I think he is going to be devastated. You plan your team you plan who you are going to buy and it is getting towards the end of the transfer window now.
“If he goes just before then you have got no chance to buy anybody else to take that place.
“It was alway son the card somewhere that somebody was going to come for Coutinho. But it is always last minute and that is when it catches you out sometimes.
“We haven’t really got the talent we wanted to buy so that becomes the issue as well.”
Wenger is 'very happy' Arsenal doesn't have Coutinho situation
If he goes just before then you have got no chance to buy anybody else
Roy Evans
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Barcelona have had bids of £72million and £90m rejected by the Reds but are expected to come back in with an £100m-plus offer.
Klopp has reiterated the stance from owners Fenway Sports Group insisting that Coutinho is not for sale.
“If they say they will bid whatever, we don’t want it. It’s a clear message,” he said.
“We don’t want money, we want to invest in the team and have the best team because we have our aims and dreams.”
Speaking after the game on Tuesday, Emre Can said of the Coutinho speculation: “I think it’s no problem for us because nobody speaks in the team about that.
“Of course, if Philippe stays with us everybody is happy – in my eyes, he’s one of the best players in the world.
“But if he goes, if he wants to go then everyone will wish him the best and we have to go again.”
