Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rescues Philippe Coutinho after Liverpool future and Barcelona interest is brought up in post-Bournemouth interview
Coutinho was asked how he felt about links with Barcelona but Oxlade-Chamberlain jumped in to halt the question in its tracks
LIVERPOOL star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain dramatically stepped in for Philippe Coutinho when the Brazilian was questioned over his Anfield future by a journalist.
Coutinho was presenting Oxlade-Chamberlain with his man-of-the-match award after Sunday’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth when he was asked about speculation regarding a big-money move to Barcelona while live on Sky Sports.
Coutinho initially replied: “I always say the same thing. I try to enjoy the moment, I like to play football and every time I go on the pitch I try my best.”
However, Oxlade-Chamberlain sensed his team-mate was feeling uncomfortable and decided to take matters into his own hands.
The winger said: “Phil’s a Liverpool player… he’s a Liverpool player right now and he’s doing really well for us.
“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.
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“That’s the most important thing right now. It’s not fair to ask those kinds of questions. He gives us his all every game and that’s all we can ask from him.”
Barcelona failed to land Coutinho last summer after selling Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, despite the playmaker telling Liverpool he was desperate to swap Anfield for the Nou Camp.
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Barca are said to be preparing another bid upwards of £130million for next month.
But PSG could yet hijack the deal, with additional reports claiming they want Coutinho to play alongside Neymar in the French capital.
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