What Valverde did and didn't say about Barça's Coutinho pursuit
Ernesto Valverde responded to two questions about the Brazilian
He praised the 25-year-old but stressed he is a Liverpool player
One of the biggest issues surrounding Barcelona at the moment is the arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool this month.
Therefore, in his first press conference of the New Year, Ernesto Valverde has to respond to questions about the Brazilian playmaker.
However, true to his style, the Barça coach was keen not to give too much away on the transfer.
"Coutinho plays for another team," Valverde said. "He’s a good player, of course, but I like the players I have here right now much more. We don’t know what will happen in the future."
Asked if it was a problem that Coutinho is cup-tied for the Champions League, Valverde gave a more irritated response.
"I have nothing to say on Coutinho," he added. "He is not our player, he plays for another team. Let’s respect the club that he belongs to and respect him, too."
