Liverpool have been their own worst enemies after leaving out Philippe Coutinho against Besiktas…
How is Brendan Rodgers going to talk his way out of this one? Liverpool could do nothing about their worrying injury list – including Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson – but why would he leave their best player at home?
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Liverpool transfer news
Philippe Coutinho was rested for tonight’s game against Besiktas, despite being fully fit. The Brazilian, who has won the club’s ‘Player of the Month’ award three times already this season, has controlled countless games so far this year, but wasn’t even on the bench in Istanbul.
Rodgers’ decision came despite the fact that Liverpool only won the first leg – at Anfield – 1-0, with the winner coming courtesy of Mario Balotelli’s late penalty. Instead, the Reds had the likes of Jordan Williams and Cameron Brannagan making up the numbers tonight.
With the game now heading into extra-time, how Rodgers must wish he had someone of Coutinho’s brilliance to call upon, as Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Struggling struggle to make the desired impact up front.
If the Reds fail to turn this one around, they’ll only have themselves to blame!