The go-to excuse for players wanting to leave a football club is cite a desire for Champions League football. Philippe Coutinho might sacrifice immediate ambitions in the competition to pursue an exit strategy.

A dilemma looms for Coutinho having captained Liverpool into the knockout phase on Wednesday night. There is a possibility the 7-0 victory over Spartak Moscow is his final appearance in the competition this season. It is a slim chance, but it is more likely than some want to believe.

The romantic view is Coutinho’s hat-trick whet the appetite for more to come in the last 16, but nothing should be taken for granted. Coutinho’s wish to move to Barcelona in January – where he will be cup-tied – is as fervent as it was when he handed in a transfer request in August.

Anyone hoping for a statement of commitment post-match was disappointed.

"I do not know how the future is going to be,” said Coutinho.

“What will happen in January, we will know it in January. I do not know if there will be an offer. I am at Liverpool and I always do my best when I have the opportunity to play, respecting the jersey and the supporters.