Philippe Coutinho reveals that Jurgen Klopp wished him good luck before sealing a move to Bayern Munich.
Philippe Coutinho revealed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp fully encouraged him before the transfer to Bayern Munich this summer.
The Brazilian played for Liverpool between 2012 January and 2018 January, spending six-years at the Merseyside. Since Coutinho received constant criticisms for his poor performance and the board didn’t feel him wanted, he headed into the Nou Camp exit door.
The playmaker was linked with a move back to Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. But, the former Liverpool star turned down a move back to England because he didn’t want himself to do further damage to his reputation by playing for another Premier League club apart from the reigning Champions League winners.
Bayern Munich’s battle for Leroy Sane forced them to make a move for Philippe Coutinho. The Bavarians have signed on a year-long loan deal with an option to buy him for 120 million next summer.
The Liverpool boss managed Borussia Dortmund for seven years, steering them to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, and knows the scenery of that league.
“He sent me a message and wished me good luck,” Coutinho told Sport Bild. “He told me that Bayern is a big club and the Bundesliga is a great competition. He said he is very happy to see me there.”
The 27-year-old was one of the standout players in Anfield and made 201 appearances. Jurgen Klopp managed the former Inter Milan attacking midfielder for more than two years before Coutinho eventually forced a move to Barcelona.
He remains a big admirer of Klopp saying: “He is simply an amazing coach, one of the best in the world.
“He is a true leader. I learned so much from him, especially on a psychological level.
“He always finds the right words, both before the game and during the game, and he always manages to get you back on track with the next opponent.
“He changed Liverpool and made them really strong again. It was a big honour to work with him.”
Coutinho has made two appearances for Bayern Munich till date. His first start, in which he was on the field for 67 minutes, came against Mainz, during the 6-1 demolition before the International break.
