Fans from all around the world were perplexed by the transfer of Phillipe Coutinho to Barcelona in the summer of 2018, which cost a total of 160 million euros. The former Liverpool player was, without a doubt, one of the most prominent names in the world of football at the time, but the price tag seemed to be a little excessive for both the market and the time period.
The difficulties that the player had in adjusting to the Catalans’ manner of doing things did not help. The roof was blown off of Coutinho’s career as a result of a mixture of his performances and the pressure of the price tag that was placed on his back. As a result, he was forced to depart on loan as early as August 2019.
In a recent interview with SPORT, the former Barcelona striker discussed his time spent in Catalonia, Barcelona’s present standing, and the management situation at the club. He also provided a wealth of information on his time spent in Catalonia.
His interview, on the other hand, started out with a mention of Lionel Messi, and the player was called upon to determine whether or not he would be willing to collaborate with the World Cup champion at Inter Miami.
“As I said before, I am simply concerned with the present moment. I want to be healthy, well-prepared, to play well, and to take pleasure in playing football. It is impossible to predict what will take place in the future.
“My name comes up in the press on a regular basis, and they talk about me in every manner, both positively and negatively. He said, “I make an effort not to look at them, and my main concern is that I am doing a good job and enjoying what I am doing.”
After that, he opened up about the fact that he does, in fact, keep up with the latest news and matches involving Barcelona.
There is no doubt that I like watching football games.
As a result of Coutinho’s revelation that he is still staying in touch with his old club, a flurry of questions about Xavi’s departure and the impending management change in Catalonia were raised. Coutinho responded to these inquiries by leaving a statement.
Do you think that Xavi’s choice to depart was the correct one? I don’t know, but if I had to say anything about Xavi, it would be that he has been an outstanding player and an outstanding coach, despite the fact that I coexisted with him for a little period of time.
He continued by saying, “At the club, they are in the process of reformulating, but without a doubt, Barcelona will always be among the greats.”
As one of the rare players who has had the opportunity to train under two of the Azulgranas’ managerial targets, Jurgen Klopp and Hansi Flick, Coutinho used the opportunity to discuss which of the two would be a more suitable match for the team.
“Which of Flick and Klopp is the more superior option? Two of the best instructors in the world. I have had the opportunity to practice under both of them, and the reality is that I have had a really excellent connection with both of them, and their teams have consistently excelled in their performances. Any of these choices would be an excellent choice for any team anywhere in the globe.
At Barcelona, will Klopp or Flick be a better fit? Who knows, but every single one of them adjusts. The style the club plays is also something that coaches adjust to. He went on to say that the two coaches in question are exceptional individuals who would be a good match for any club in the globe.
“I think they are two great coaches, and that is all I can say,” he concluded. “Football is always changing, and there are always new ways of playing,” he said.
Taking a step back in time to his record-breaking transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona, where he never really got off the ground, the Brazilian said that he would not have changed anything about the situation.
“Do I have any regrets about joining Barcelona? No. Absolutely not at any moment. I am the first person to demand myself in the field, and I tell myself that I need to offer more in the field, etc. things did not go as I anticipated, as others expected, and as I expected because I am the first person to demand myself in the field.
“I have always been very professional, and I have tried everything there is to try. I do not regret anyone or anything.” My whole life, I had dreamed of playing for Barcelona. I had a good time, I was able to make a lot of new friends, and I was able to win several championships; also, it will forever be a part of my life.
The top player for Al-Duhail was then questioned about if there was anything he would alter about his time spent at Barcelona. In response, he said that he did, in fact, offer his utmost effort when he was at the club in recent years.
“After my stay in Barcelona, what would I want to change? None of it. There is nothing that I would alter. Despite the fact that it is impossible to go back, I do not regret anything that has happened.
“In training, I always gave it my all effort, just like I do today, just as I did the year before, and just as I will do the year after that. “Perfect if everything fits together perfectly, and patience if it doesn’t,” he continued.
Despite the fact that Coutinho was one of the most promising young talents in Brazil, his life in Europe did not take off as quickly as many people had anticipated it would. When asked whether he believed he deserved a better career, the player responded by saying, “I don’t”
It is not. My professional life is fulfilling to me. Despite the fact that many people are concerned about whether it is positive or negative, I am content with myself because I am aware of what I stand for, what I am capable of doing, and who I am. This is the most essential thing for me.
For the time being, Barcelona is prospering on the back of some of La Masia’s crown jewels, beginning with Pau Cubarsi in defense and progressing all the way up to Gavi and Lamine Yamal in higher positions. Coutinho offered his two bits of advise to the young players who are on the verge of becoming stars, adding,
“What would I want to speak to the younger players at Barca? What I would advise them is to continue to enjoy themselves like they are doing. As has always been the case throughout the history of this club, a large number of young people are going there and doing a tremendous deal of good for Barcelona.
“The youngsters have always been of extremely high quality. After that, he said, “I would tell them to enjoy their game, the team, and have fun while they are out on the field.”
Moving on to the subject of international football, the athlete who had previously played for Barcelona disclosed his position about his participation in the next World Cup.
Going to compete in the next World Cup? Because of my age, I wouldn’t have any issues with it, but like I said before, I want to take things slowly, watch my games, and then we’ll see what happens. There is still a significant amount of time remaining, and we are going to wait and see what the future holds.
In addition, he did not rule out the possibility of Neymar returning to the highest level of football, which was a sign of his support for his countryman while he faced significant challenges.
To be sure. At this moment, we are discussing one of the most talented active players in the whole globe. Even if he has suffered a serious injury at the moment, he will undoubtedly recover and become even more powerful.
According to him, “He is getting closer and closer to the field as a result of the news that we see, and he undoubtedly has a lot to contribute to our national team, for the clubs, and for football and football in general.”
