Cules noticed Philippe’s impressive physical shape and strong mentality, something that he was lacking during the 2018-2019 season.
Back in summer 2020, everything indicated that Philippe Coutinho wouldn’t even set foot at Barcelona ever again. However, he returned. And here’s how Blaugrana fans assessed his first appearances after winning the treble with Bayern.
- AirSlayer10 via Reddit: “That is probably the best I’ve seen Coutinho in a Barca shirt.”
- serghei on Barca Forum: “Coutinho is played more like in his Liverpool days, and he’s benefiting from that extra speed in the team. Just by this, he looks a step faster than the old version.”
- @leftfootkultur via Twitter: “Coutinho was so much quicker in possession. Intelligent with his movement, direct and incisive with the ball, hard-working in defence, quick on the turn. Very promising.”
RELATED:
![[FILE]Barcelona’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho runs during the Spanish ‘Copa del Rey’ (King’s cup) quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. / AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Coutinho-2-640x400-350x250.jpg "Barcelona agree to loan Coutinho to Bayern 3")
Mentality is key
- Sailor Mars via Barca Forum: “The strength and endurance workouts he did in his 1 year at Bayern instilled an alpha mentality in him. He was like a scared puppy during his previous stint with Barca. Now he is like a big alpha dog. Woof Woof.”
- putogusiluz8 via Barca Forum: “I would also take into account his personal desire, his pride, his ego etc. The last two years have surely reshaped his mentality and (hopefully) made him a more willful player. I think he’s eager to prove himself.”
- davethepiloto via Reddit: “Honestly COUTINHO HAS BEEN IN PHENOMENAL FORM. Totally different player than when he first arrived. Perhaps he comes with a stronger mentality and realization of what he needs to do to succeed at Barcelona.”
Impressive physical shape didn’t go unnoticed
- Fati_Future_BallonDor via Barca Forum: “Bayern really shaped this guy up for us, god knows how. We should loan Busi there too.”
- Sterlingfan2000 via Barca Forum: “He’s by far the fittest in our squad. Hire Bayern whole fitness staff.”
Best response to haters
- Hammed Abati via Tribuna.com: “Are the haters now seeing what Coutinho is doing when he plays in his natural position?”
- nicoletamendi via Instagram: “All those who said it was a waste of money, where y’all at?”
Coutinho has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in 6 games for Barca. Sadly, he’s missed 4 games due to a hamstring injury.
Hopefully, the Brazilian returns right in time for the crucial Atletico Madrid clash next Saturday.
And what’s your take on Coutinho’s form since Barca return? Tell us in the comments!
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