‘You never know what the future holds’: Philippe Coutinho refuses to rule out move away from Barcelona after struggling since £145m move
- Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool last year for £145million
- Brazilian scored in their 5-1 Champions League win over Lyon on Wednesday
- But he has struggled since the move and has been linked with a transfer away
- ‘I’ve not been playing well but I still want to improve,’ Coutinho admitted
Philippe Coutinho hopes he has more to offer Barcelona but is not ready to shed any light on his future beyond this season.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who moved to Catalonia last January for £145million, scored in Wednesday’s 5-1 Champions League win over Lyon but has failed to establish himself in Barca’s first team.
He has been linked with a summer move back to the Premier League, with Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United mentioned as a possible destination.
Philippe Coutinho admitted he has ‘not been playing’ well for Barcelona in the last few months
He did score as they beat Lyon 5-1 in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash
‘In the last few weeks, months even, I’ve not been playing well but I still want to improve,’ Coutinho told Movistar+ after the Lyon game.
‘I came to Barcelona to give my best. I live for the moment. You never know what the future holds.
‘I am happy with my performance (against Lyon).’
Coutinho has started only 16 league games this season, scoring four goals, but has netted three times in the Copa del Rey – including a brace against Sevilla – while Wednesday’s goal was his second of the European campaign.
The former Liverpool midfielder moved to the Catalan giants last January for £145million
Coach Ernesto Valverde said at his post-match press conference: ‘It was an important game for him (Coutinho) as it was for everyone, our club and our team.
‘I think he had a great game. It is true maybe this year he’s had some not great matches, but in some specific times he did well, he scored two goals against Sevilla.
‘So, we expect him to get more confidence in order to give us his best. We are happy for him.’
