Philippe Coutinho has revealed why he prefers Barcelona over Liverpool. The Brazilian moved to the Catalan giants in a sensational £142m deal last month and after overcoming a thigh injury, he has now made six appearances for his new side, scoring a goal along the way too.
The playmaker was a talismanic figure for the Reds, having spent five seasons at Anfield before sealing a move to Barcelona in January. And after just a month with the La Liga leaders, the 25-year-old has already pointed out some key differences at his new club.
“To play alongside so many great players is much better,” Coutinho was quoted by Sport.
“Each team has their way of playing and I am still learning how to play here, every day doing the best I possibly can.
“It’s something which motivates me every day, it’s what inspires me in work. The most adequate word would be motivation, trophies are what excite me. At this club I have the chance to win trophies and I want to win a lot of things.”
In terms of the differences between Jurgen Klopp and Ernesto Valverde, the Brazilian added:
“Well, they are different. Each one has their own ways and their own experiences.”
When asked what surprised him the most about Barcelona, Coutinho quipped:
“That’s a difficult question… All the players are really good, I see that every day, in training, in games. You see them and you think ‘that is incredible’ but it’s not something which has surprised me because when I came I knew that. What’s helped me a lot is the welcome I’ve received in the dressing room: everyone is very calm.”
On the other side, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp feels Coutinho’s exit has brought the best out of striker Roberto Firmino.
Speaking ahead of the Champions clash with Porto in the round of 16, Klopp told the Mirror:
“When I came in I said immediately that I was happy Roberto was here.”
“I don’t think he has stepped up recently but maybe it is more obvious because his situations are not overshadowed by Phil Coutinho’s situations. That’s how it is.”
Coutinho is a brilliant player but had his heart set at Barcelona since the start of the season. However, it didn’t materialise then but now that he has joined the Spanish giants, it is better we move on from him and concentrate on our current crop of players who are playing some beautiful football.
