It’s not often John W. Henry speaks to the media in length about Liverpool, but ahead of Saturday’s Champions League Final – he’s given a fantastic interview to Rob Harris.
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Krawietz opens up on Coutinho exit with very interesting quotes
Our American owner talks in length about Jurgen Klopp, Michael Edwards and the club’s future – but his most interesting quotes are about Coutinho and the Brazilian’s January exit to Barcelona.
According to Henry, no player should ever want to leave Liverpool and play in an uncompetitive league – and that both Coutinho and Luis Suarez may regret their decisions this weekend when they’re watching their former team in Kiev!
“Maybe it’s because I’m an American, but I have a difficult time understanding why anyone would want to leave Liverpool,” Henry told the Daily Mail. “The club is so rich in history and tradition, supported by so many millions around the world, in virtually every country of the world.
“You don’t want to be in the position where players want to go somewhere else, even if it is a great club like Barcelona. It’s hard to understand why players would want to go to a league where the competition is so weak. They must play 30 or so meaningless matches per year waiting for Champions League matches.
“They’ll be watching this weekend and could have been playing. But (part owner) Mike Gordon, (sporting director) Michael Edwards and everyone in our scouting department have done a terrific job in making the best of those two difficult situations.”
Well, there you have it!
We really hope that Coutinho is the last big-name transfer out of the club for some time, however, as it derails progress.
How Klopp and Liverpool have managed so well without one of the world’s best playmakers is testament to their character and determination, especially considering how ravaged with injuries the squad has been.
This summer, Coutinho will be replaced, likely by Nabil Fekir [Guardian], and with Naby Keita also arriving, Liverpool can do great things in 2018/19 as well.