Rory Smith: Selling Coutinho will make Europe unhappy
Barcelona were torn apart once again by Real Madrid in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup last night.
Goals from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema ensured Real defended the trophy, winning 5-1 on aggregate following their 3-1 win at the Nou Camp on Sunday.
Neither Luis Suarez or Lionel Messi were able to have an impact against the La Liga champions, raising questions about the Barcelona squad without Neymar who moved to Paris Saint-Germain last month.
The Catalan club have been desperate to find a replacement for the Brazil international since his move but so far have only signed Paulinho to the dismay of their supporters.
GETTY
Philippe Coutinho has handed in a transfer request at Liverpool
GETTY
Ousmane Dembele also has his heart set on moving to Barcelona
Coutinho and Dembele? We’re close
Barcelona general manager Pep Segura
But Barcelona general manager Segura has given the fans some hope by claiming Coutinho and Dembele - their top two targets - are close to signing.
“Missing out on a trophy? I’m more hurt by that than how we played in the first half,” Segura said.
“Madrid were better than us on occasions, but we must stick with the account we gave of ourselves in the second half, the attitude and commitment. I hope we stick with it in our League matches.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Signings? We’ll strengthen the team in the next few days. Coutinho and Dembele? We’re close, but until everything is finalised, we can’t say anything else. We hope they can wear Barca’s jersey.
“Messi’s renewal? It’s being handled by the board and [negotiations] are extremely clear. Messi’s a winner and the best player in the world.
“We must help our players become champions again. Madrid had a degree of luck that we lacked.”
