Barcelona News: Luis Suarez reveals why Philippe Coutinho found life difficult at Barcelona
What's the news?
Philippe Coutinho is going through a rough patch at the Camp Nou this season. The Brazilian international has made only 12 LaLiga starts and scored only four times in the league so far. His teammate Luis Suarez tells why Phillipe Coutinho's move from Liverpool has not worked out.
In Case you didn't know...
Phillipe Coutinho joined Barcelona for £142 million from Liverpool in the January transfer window of 2018 and is touted as the natural successor to Andres Iniesta.
It began well enough for the Brazillian at the Camp Nou as he scored 10 goals in 22 appearances during his first half season with the club. However, he suffered from injuries and poor form this season, and started in just 12 LaLiga games.
The 26-year-old was out for a lengthy period in November and was dislodged from the starting XI by Ousmane Dembele.
The Brazillian was heavily linked with a move away from a club last month and was often criticized by fans and pundits for his poor performances.
The heart of the matter
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Suarez revealed why he thinks his teammate is yet to find his feet at the club before advising what Coutinho needs to do in order to rediscover his form and turn his Barca fortunes around.
The Uruguyuan said, "Because of the relationship I have with Philippe, I tried to help and support him at all times," he said. "I always saw him with the best possible predisposition, with joy in training.
"Then, at the time of playing, some concentrate more than others, it can happen by being angry or sad."
The Uruguayan striker understands that the criticism that Coutinho received in recent weeks will always be a part of playing in a club as big as Barca. "You also have to know that you are in Barca and you have to live with that and things got a little bigger, but you have to defend it because you are here for something, you have to keep growing and know how to cope with these situations,".
"He should not train or go out on the field thinking that he is the most expensive player in Barcelona’s history, but keep improving day by day with the players he has around." He elaborated.
What's next?
Barcelona will play Valencia in the league next before hosting Real Madrid at the Camp Nou for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.