Football fans all around the world were taken by surprise when Barcelona announced the departure of Philippe Coutinho in January 2021. The Brazilian midfielder, who arrived at Barcelona in a €160 million deal from Liverpool, had failed to live up to expectations at the Camp Nou. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Coutinho’s departure.
The Initial Hype
Coutinho’s arrival at Barcelona was met with a lot of excitement and hype. He was seen as the perfect replacement for Andres Iniesta and was expected to add a new dimension to Barcelona’s midfield. However, things did not go as planned.
Injuries and Lack of Form
Coutinho struggled with injuries during his time at Barcelona, which disrupted his rhythm and form. He also found it difficult to adapt to Barcelona’s style of play, which relies heavily on possession-based football. As a result, he often looked lost on the pitch and failed to make an impact.
Competition for Places
Barcelona has always had a star-studded squad, and Coutinho faced stiff competition for places in midfield. He found it difficult to displace players like Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, and Arturo Vidal from the starting lineup. This lack of game time further affected his confidence and form.
The Emergence of Fati and Pedri
Coutinho’s departure can also be attributed to the emergence of young talents like Ansu Fati and Pedri. Both players have been exceptional this season and have established themselves as key members of the team. With their rise, Coutinho’s chances of playing regularly became even slimmer.
Financial Implications
Lastly, Barcelona’s financial situation played a crucial role in Coutinho’s departure. The club was struggling with debts and needed to reduce its wage bill. Coutinho was one of the highest earners in the squad, and his departure freed up a significant amount of funds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Coutinho’s departure from Barcelona was a combination of factors. Injuries, lack of form, stiff competition for places, and emergence of young talents all contributed to his exit.
Barcelona’s financial situation also played a role in the decision. While Coutinho failed to live up to expectations at Barcelona, he will always remain a highly talented player who has achieved great success in his career so far.