In one of the weirdest international squad selections we’ve seen in quite a while, Brazil boss Dunga decided to drop Coutinho and Thiago Silva for Kaka and Gabriel Paulista respectively for their upcoming friendlies versus Costa Rica and USA.
When we first saw the news, we thought the internet might be overreacting, and that Dunga was selecting a mainly homegrown squad – with the aim of avoiding his better players the trip across the Atlantic – but his quotes suggest a genuine dropping.
SEE MORE:
Philippe Coutinho bizarrely dropped form Brazil squad, days after Stoke winner
“We gave him a chance in Copa América. You can’t build with just youngsters, you need experience to help,” he said.
So while Liverpool, Brazil and football fans in general were extremely surprised by the news, and castigated Dunga for the decision, many Reds were delighted our playmaker will be staying with us – maximising his chances of top fitness.
I’m not too sad Coutinho got dropped by Brazil. Not the slightest.
— Texas Reds (@LoneStarLFC) August 14, 2015
Twitter is crazy with headlines “Brazil DROPS Coutinho”, oh pipe down it’s just a friendly. Everyone knows Coutinho is Brazil’s future.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) August 13, 2015
When you find out Coutinho has been dropped from the Brazil squad… https://t.co/Vip657XeHd
— Football Jokes (@LaughingFooty) August 13, 2015
Personally not bothered that Coutinho isn’t selected, just means he will be more fit to play for us. Hope Coutinho doesnt take it badly tho.
— Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) August 13, 2015
No place for Philippe Coutinho in the Brazil squad. Dunga must have turned off Stoke City v #LFC after 85 minutes.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) August 13, 2015
Bit harsh on Coutinho, that. Clearly he needs to show he can do it on a cold, windy midweek night at Stoke. Not a Sunday afternoon.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) August 13, 2015
Coutinho didn’t deserve to be dropped but at least he won’t be playing in pointless friendlies. Wish Firmino was “dropped” as well.
— LiverpoolFC News (@LFCTransferNRS) August 13, 2015
How could you leave @Phil_Coutinho off the @brazilsoccer squad? What a joke.
— Brian Donald (@CMC_BD) August 14, 2015
@Paul_Winn Coutinho is the only player in the side who plays the old Brazilian way. Such an asset. I wonder what made Dunga think otherwise.
— Girish Nair (@purl0inedletter) August 14, 2015
Coutinho not getting picked is a joke. Kaká has huge fans in the US, so marketing. @50ShadesOfHendo
— Sán (@Zizouology) August 14, 2015
How in the world did Dunga drop Coutinho and take Kaka in the Brazil squad…
— Mae$tro (@Young_Germain10) August 14, 2015
Coutinho left out of Brazil squad! You smell that Cow-Dunga?! #LFC #Brazil pic.twitter.com/lb3ZVwz1zP
— HolyMoCoutinhoShow (@WarriorLFC) August 13, 2015
An odd decision from Dunga in leaving Coutinho out, well, very much their loss and by equal measure our gain #LFC #Fresh
— Anfield Pulse (@AnfieldPulse) August 13, 2015
No place for coutinho in the Brazilian squad I think dunga is drunk #BRAZIL pic.twitter.com/NxiuxSOg7W
— LION (@ALI_LFC_) August 13, 2015