Former Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello has slammed Philippe Coutinho, saying FC Barcelona's record signing should have been benched for the second leg of the club's UEFA Champions League semi-final tie against Liverpool.
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The 26-year-old joined the Spanish giants from the Reds in a staggering £142 million (R2.7 billion) deal in January 2018, but has failed to live up to expectations since his arrival, something that was once again highlighted in the Blaugrana's elimination from Europe's elite club competition this week.
In addition to being critical of Barca boss Ernesto Valverde's tactics in the shock 4-0 defeat, Capello questioned the decision to start Coutinho, whom he branded "useless" when not playing at the Camp Nou.
"We said, before the game, that Liverpool would have had a chance if they scored a goal in the first half," he told Sky Sports.
"They did it and the goal in the first half helped them because it would have been hard to score three in the second half.
"Alisson's saves were amazing, he saved the result and helped Liverpool to go through.
"I think Valverde was a bit pretentious. He should have done something different, he went to Liverpool with the same line-up of the previous week. He thought Vidal would have been enough to stop Liverpool.
"I think Coutinho should have been left on the bench. When he plays away games, he is useless".
The former Inter Milan star has made 52 appearances across all competitions for Barca so far this season, finding the back of the net on 11 occasions and registering five assists.
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Do you think Barcelona should get rid of Coutinho? If yes, which club should the Brazilian look to join? Have your say in the comments section below.
