Liverpool can force Coutinho to stay but they won’t… and that’s okay
By David Gate
Liverpool are in a position to force Coutinho to honor his contract but they won’t go down that road. That is okay and here is why…
There are many Liverpool fans who want the club to force Philippe Coutinho to stay a the club and to play until (at least) the end of the season. He has four years on his contract and it is a World Cup year. Make him play, he won’t go on strike with his place in the Brazil team at stake.
That is certainly an approach the club can take but it is one with a number of downsides. That is why the club will not force him to stay. They’ve done that once and his mind has not changed.
By forcing him to honor his commitment this season they would send a message to all incoming players; we won’t let you move on when the your dream transfer comes along. We will prevent you earning more money and glory elsewhere. While we win nothing. Not sure that approach is going to convince Thomas Lemar, Leon Goretzka or Jan Oblak that their dreams can be realized at Anfield.
Do #LFC know he's under contract? Why are they trying to change his mind rather than him trying to change ours? https://t.co/VmemuzL5YB
— Alex McGuinness (@alexmcguinness) January 6, 2018
There is also the constant distraction of having Coutinho around. A disgruntled player can negatively affect the squad. Klopp values team spirit and unity above all else. A sulking star does nothing for the focus of players and manager when there is still a ton to play for.
The negatives of letting him go are obvious; losing a world-class player and looking like a club who is not the most ambitious and able to be bullied. Those are the consequences you weigh up with the negatives of keeping him.
Next: 5 Reasons Leon Goretzka Will Sign For Liverpool
The only way to get a truly positive situation is for Philippe Coutinho to turn round and want to stay. That is not going to happen. So whatever happens will hurt in some ways. But that is life and that is football.