Liverpool ‘can cope’ without Coutinho
DAUNTING: REDS UP AGAINST HIGH-FLYING MAN CITY
Others can fill Brazilian’s void, says Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says Liverpool can cope without Philippe Coutinho as they prepare for the daunting task of hosting Premier League leaders Manchester City tomorrow.
The Brazilian playmaker, who scored 12 goals this season for the club, completed a €160 million move to Barcelona this week to leave a significant hole in Jurgen Klopp’s side.
However, Oxlade-Chamberlain, who experienced key personnel such Robin van Persie leave when he was at Arsenal, believes he and the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino can help fill the void without too much disruption.
“I haven’t really even thought about Phil leaving,” he said. “You realise it happens but you can’t start thinking ‘what are we going to do now that Phil is not here’?
“It can’t be that at all. It’s business as usual.
“When Phil wasn’t in the team we still played great football and we have still amazing players who can score goals – the likes of Mo (Salah), Sadio, Roberto.”
With Liverpool seemingly unlikely to buy a replacement in the January transfer window, Coutinho’s departure provides an opening for Oxlade-Chamberlain and others to secure more regular football.
After a testing start to his Anfield career, having arrived during the August window, the England international is starting to show the sort of form that persuaded manager Juergen Klopp to spend £35 million on him.
Menwhile, second-placed Manchester United host Stoke on Monday at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils have secured 25 points out of 27 against the Potters. The only time United have dropped points against Stoke at home was during their 1-1 draw last season.
It will be caretaker boss Eddie Niedzwiecki’s first outing after Stoke fired Mark Hughes in the wake of their shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Coventry. –