Philippe Coutinho was wanted at Tottenham Hotspur by Mauricio Pochettino

According to British media reports, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was upset over the club’s failure to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in the summer. Philippe Coutinho was signed by Barcelona for a reported fee of more than $145 million. However, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde did not consider the Brazilian as an important part of his plans and hence the Catalans were looking to offload the player, even if on loan.

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Mauricio Pochettino had a direct relation with Philippe Coutinho, as he had managed the Brazilian when both were a part of Espanyol. He was signed from Inter Milan for a year-long loan in 2012. The Spurs boss wanted him at Tottenham when the player was looking for a club last summer.

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While playing under the Argentine in LaLiga, Coutinho scored five goals in 16 appearances including a brace in a 5-1 win over their relegation rivals Rayo Vallecano, thus avoiding humiliation in the League. However, he has failed to replicate his top form after moving to Bayern Munich on loan. He has scored only twice and has been benched due to his poor performances.

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At Tottenham Hotspur, only Harry Kane can be considered a reliable scorer having scored more than three goals in the Premier League this term, the only player in the team to do so. Pochettino is continuing to rotate between Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen, however, he still struggles to settle on the attacking front for his team. Pochettino considered Coutinho as an important part of his team re-rebuild and a possible replacement for the out-going Christian Eriksen. However, failure of the management to concede to his demands left him fuming. 

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Pochettino might be sacked

Due to dismal performances by the team, Tottenham Hotspur might sack their manager if Spurs suffer a defeat against West Ham United in the Premier League. Spurs face West Ham on November 23, 2019, after the international break. They are currently placed 14th in the Premier League table, 20 points behind league leaders Liverpool.