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What Joey Barton Said About The Sale Of Coutinho Looks Pretty Good Right Now

What Joey Barton Said About The Sale Of Coutinho Looks Pretty Good Right Now

The Brazilian completed a mega transfer from Anfield to Barcelona in January.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Joey Barton's prediction about Liverpool when Philippe Coutinho left looks pretty good right now.

'Fab 4' was no longer following Coutinho's £142 million transfer to Barcelona.

While the Liverpool faithfuls were disappointed to see the back of their brilliant Brazilian, the club are coping fairly well without him which includes a hefty advantage ahead of a potential semi-final spot in the Champions League.

Coutinho in action for Barcelona. Image: PA
Coutinho in action for Barcelona. Image: PA

Some may even say a better dynamic since his exit. A view pointed out by Barton who claimed his departure would actually help Jurgen Klopp.

"Klopp was having an issue, certainly in the Liverpool games I had seen, of getting Coutinho, Mane, Salah and Lallana all into the same side," he said.

Coutinho during his Liverpool days. Image: PA
Coutinho during his Liverpool days. Image: PA

Barton added: "It is going to be Mane and Salah either side of Firmino and now he has got only a smaller issue of does he play Wijnaldum or Lallana.

"I think it has actually helped Klopp out. He knew he had a player who wanted away, he was getting a load of money for him, he knew he would be able to reinvest in the side.

"It is going to sound bizarre to say this because Coutinho was mercurial for them at times but they could actually end up being a better team, a more cohesive team, without Coutinho."

Firmino and Salah embrace. Image: PA
Firmino and Salah embrace. Image: PA
Salah and Mane celebrate. Image: PA
Salah and Mane celebrate. Image: PA

He continued by comparing Coutinho to Chelsea's Eden Hazard, while insisting Salah has been the more influential player this campaign.

"I don't think he is as good as Hazard. Salah has been more influential than him this season, certainly with his goals."

'The Egyptian King' has weighed in with an incredible 38 goals in all competitions.

What's your take on Barton's prediction? Sound off in the comment section below.

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Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Firmino, Coutinho, Football, Joey Barton, Mane, Salah