Philippe Coutinho: 'I came to Barça to win titles'

Philippe Coutinho: 'I came to Barça to win titles'

New Brazilian signing describes the honour of playing alongside what he considers to be the 'best players in the world' and his rapid adaptation to his new surroundings

“I have come to Barça to win titles” says new signing Philippe Coutinho. “It is a pride and honour to play for the club. I have come here to write my own history. Barça gives me the chance to play with the best and win titles, which has always been my greatest ambition.”

The Brazilian was speaking to Catalan sports dailies El Mundo Deportivo, Sport and L’Esportiu.

On settling into to his new surroundings, he comments that “I am gradually adapting to a different way of playing and training. I’m working hard for things to go right on the field. I’ve been surprised by the enormous quality of the whole squad, but most especially by what a great group of people they are and all they have done to welcome the new arrivals.”

“It’s very special for me to share a dressing room with such heroes as Messi, Suárez and Iniesta. Not many people get the chance to play with the best in the world.”

Speaking more specifically about his playing role, the 25-year-old says that “it is just an honour to be here, and I’m ready to do whatever the boss asks. I don’t mind whether that’s on the left, right or in the middle.”

Valverde is always explaining things to me. But not just to me. To everyone. He tells us where he wants us to play, where to do certain things on the field … He’s very attentive.”

Finally, on the team’s form, Coutinho offers that “Getafe was a very difficult game. They sat back and defended well and we couldn’t find chances to score. But we have to keep trying because there still a lot of games left to play and we have get back to winning ways.”

Chelsea? They defend very well. They have top quality players up front, and are very strong on the counter attack. It’ll be a great game and we’ll need to concentrate from the very start.”

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