Philippe Coutinho, wrapped in apprehension, would have run through the differing scenarios in his head as soon as he swallowed the reality that a move to Barcelona would not materialise this summer.
Having handed in an unsuccessful transfer request to facilitate the swapping of Anfield for Camp Nou, while not featuring for the Merseysiders during that period due to a back injury that then dissipated on Brazil duty, how would he be received at a home game?
Would the crowd vocalise their disappointment in the 25-year-old’s actions through piercing jeers? Would they be ambivalent? Or would they be happy to have him representing the club again?
Coutinho will have imagined all three eventualities - and often too - ahead of the question finally being answered on Wednesday night in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Sevilla.
On 76 minutes, as Emre Can left the pitch, the German midfielder was naturally clapped off. But as the substitution announcement continued over the tannoy with “to be replaced by No. 10, Philippe Coutinho,” the applause amplified and was accompanied by a thunderous cheer that filled the ground.
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