Liverpool lost Coutinho to Barcelona in January with the Brazilian moving to La Liga for a huge £142million.
However, that decision looks to have backfired after the La Liga giants lost 3-0 to Roma in the Champions League last night.
Coutinho watched on as Barcelona saw their European dreams dashed on a chastening night at the Stadio Olympico.
He no doubt felt even worse when he saw Liverpool had thumped Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate to reach the last four.
And the Liverpool Echo say the Reds thought Coutinho would stay for two big reasons.
Firstly, they thought he would not want to sit out Barcelona’s Champions League campaign.
Coutinho was a prominent figure as Liverpool battled their way out of the group stages.
However, his involvement for Jurgen Klopp’s team meant he was always going to be cup-tied for Barcelona.
And the Liverpool Echo say the Reds did not expect him to make that shock decision.
Also, they thought Barcelona’s La Liga dominance would see Coutinho stay.
Ernesto Valverde’s side were already soaring to the prize and, therefore, had no real need for Coutinho.
And Liverpool thought the fact their need for the player was greater would see him stay.
However, Coutinho ultimately chose to join Barcelona where he is yet to take the Nou Camp by storm.
