Barcelona have had a difficult start this season, but Philippe Coutinho believes that new coach Xavi can turn things around.
Coutinho believes Xavi can improve Barcelona with the current set of players, like the new manager himself (the football news).
On Monday, Barcelona introduced Xavi Hernandez as their new head coach.
The Al-Sadd manager is thus returning to the club that helped him develop his career as a player. Furthermore, Barcelona is also the club with whom he won 25 championships throughout an incredible 17-year career.
Coutinho Believes That New Coach Xavi Can Turn Things Around
Following the departures of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, remaining Barcelona player Philippe Coutinho has discussed Xavi, his soon-to-be coach.
And Coutinho thinks Xavi could be the one to turn things around at Barcelona.
“Xavi was a great player, an idol, and now he’s back home at Barcelona,” he told a news conference while on international duty with Brazil according to Marca.
Coutinho continued: “I hope he can be very successful with the group we have.
“I was able to talk to him once when I had to visit some doctors in Qatar. I know what a great guy he is. He will definitely do a great job at Barcelona.”
Coutinho just returned from a nine-month layoff due to a knee injury in September.
But many accused him of being sluggish when warming up on the bench against Celta Vigo by Catalan publication Sport.
He rejected these allegations and stated that he has more motivation than ever to put in work. This, as he prepares to make his first appearance in Brazil in over a year.
“I was kind of surprised when I got home and saw the story. I’ve never lacked professionalism in my life,” he said.
Coutinho further stated: “I’ve always respected everyone I work with. But it’s okay. I respect the opinion of you journalists
“On my selection [by Brazil], I’m very happy and really want to be here. I’m focused on working, to achieve things through working, in the 10 days I have here.”
He added: “I feel very good. It’s obvious that being injured for nine months is not easy, returning from three surgeries in a row on the same knee.
“But since I came back, I haven’t had any pain or discomfort. I feel good.”
