Barcelona: Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said midfielder Philippe Coutinho in his plan for this season after reporting the media that the club wants to pick Brazilian.
With Catalan in financial difficulties, local media has suggested that Barca actively tried to sell Coutinho to reduce their wage bills.
While Koeman confirmed that the 29-year-old Coutinho would not be suitable for this weekend trip to Athletic Bilbao, the Netherlands said the player would showcase this season.
“He needed more weeks to practice with the group before we could pick him up, but he was planned because he was a fantastic player,” Koeman said on Friday.
“He could be important for Barca.
He was in the team last season but was injured – but I told you, he was planned for this term.” He can play in various positions, and we have lost a goal with departure with his departure from (Lionel) Messi and need to find it elsewhere.
Philippe is a choice in that sense.
“Koeman added that pedri would be available for matches in Basque country before being offered after displaying in 74 matches for clubs and countries since the beginning of last season.” We’ve been thinking about this for a while with the pedri game and after tomorrow we will give him two weeks, “he said.” I have spoken with (Spanish coach) Luis Enrique and they will make their own decisions and explain it, but from us, but from us, but from us, but from us.
Our point of view will give him two weeks.
“Defender Gerard Pique will also be fit, said Koeman, after the media report suggested he was a doubt of injury, while goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen remained absent with knee problems.