Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson slams 'problem' player Philippe Coutinho

Mark Lawrenson says Philippe Coutinho needs to buck his ideas up

MARK LAWRENSON has slammed Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho for his recent performances, claiming he needs a 'reality check'.

 

The Brazil international has been linked with a high-profile move to Real Madrid or Barcelona in recent weeks.

But his form for club and country has taken a nose dive, being dropped from Dunga's national team squad and failing to perform for the Reds.

 

And according to club legend Lawrenson the 23-year-old needs to 'give more' and get his head out of the transfer clouds.

"How do you solve a problem like Philippe Coutinho? The manner in which Jurgen Klopp utilises the Brazilian will be something to watch over the coming weeks," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"Klopp has probably looked at Coutinho's performances over the last few months and thought 'I keep reading about what a player you are, but I'm not really seeing it'. 

"I thought Coutinho was wasteful against Rubin Kazan and then disappeared out of the game. This is Rubin Kazan we're talking about. Not a Chelsea or Manchester City.

Philippe Coutinho has been out of sorts for Liverpool lately

"But that inability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck has been a problem all season," he added.

"I don't think Coutinho is giving the team enough. As for this talk of a possible move away from Anfield, Coutinho needs a bit of a reality check. He ain't going to Barcelona or Real Madrid any time soon."