Philippe Coutinho has firmly dismissed questions about his professionalism following reports of a clash with his Barcelona teammates during the recent 3-3 draw with Celta Vigo.
Coutinho has been a regular feature for both former boss Ronald Koeman and interim replacement Sergi Barjuan, who named the Brazilian on the bench for Saturday's game - he remained on the bench throughout the game.
After the game, rumours emerged suggesting Coutinho's failure to appear was actually his doing, with Laia Tudel claiming (via Albert Roge) that the 29-year-old declined Sergi Roberto's request for him to go warm up during the game, which allegedly prompted a heated clash with the squad's senior players behind the scenes.
Well, Coutinho seems to disagree with that version of events.
"I was very surprised when I saw the news published because in my entire career I have never lacked professionalism," he said (via AS). "You can look at any club I've been at, I have always respected everyone.
"Since I returned to play [following an injury] I haven't had a run of four or five games starting to be at my best level. I feel very good, and physically, I am great."
Coutinho has started four of his 11 appearances in all competitions this season but has been an unused substitute in each of his side's last two games, including the 1-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League earlier this month.
The return of Ansu Fati, coupled with a temporary comeback from Ousmane Dembele, saw Coutinho drop down the pecking order, but even 19-year-old academy starlet Abde was given minutes ahead of him against Celta Vigo.
With just 18 months left on his contract, Coutinho is expected to be up for sale next summer as Barcelona desperately try to recover some of the £142m they paid to sign him from Liverpool in January 2018.
This article was originally published on 90min as Philippe Coutinho hits back at claims of bust-up during Celta Vigo draw.
Source: www.90min.com