Former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has defended himself and his professionalism following allegations he refused to come on for Barcelona last weekend.
The Catalans were 3-0 up away at Celta Vigo when the Brazilian was sent to warm up ahead of replacing the injured Ansu Fati at half-time.
However, interim Barcelona coach Sergi Barjuan would send on Alejandro Balde, with the 29-year-old remaining unused on the bench as the La Liga giants saw their lead obliterated with former Red Iago Aspas netting a brace, including a 96th minute equaliser, to claim an unlikely 3-3 draw.
Some reports after the final whistle claimed that Coutinho had refused to come on, while it was suggested elsewhere that Barjuan was left unimpressed by his attitude when warming up, so sent on Balde instead, and would later attempt to defuse any suggestions of a row when speaking to reporters after the final whistle.
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"I didn’t focus on any of that," he said. "I was watching the game, which was very demanding.
"In 10 days I’ve felt everyone gets along with me. It’s clear that with those who haven’t played it’s harder.
"I’ve had to take decisions and he did not play today."
Further reports in Spain have claimed that some of Coutinho's team-mates have previously approached him training regarding concerns over his conduct and attitude.
But away on international duty with Brazil, the former Liverpool man has rubbished any suggestions that he has been unprofessional at Camp Nou.
"Since I returned, I did not have a sequence of four or five games from the beginning to be able to reach my best level, get match fit," he told reporters.
"I was a little bit surprised when I arrived home and saw this, that I am being called a lazy player in the media. I have always been a professional in my entire career.
"I have never had any lack of professionalism - you can check at all clubs that I have ever played - I have always respected everybody, my team-mates, staff, all the people that I have worked with.
"I confess I was a little bit surprised when I saw that. But that's fine, I respect the opinion of all you journalists."
