Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Philippe Coutinho has no regrets over leaving high-flying Liverpool and is enjoying life at Bayern Munich

The Brazilian also ​revealed his admiration for the German top flight, comparing its competitiveness and high tempo to the Premier League

Lawrence Ostlere
Wednesday 12 February 2020 11:56 GMT
Comments
Philippe Coutinho is a target for Arsenal
Philippe Coutinho is a target for Arsenal (Bongarts)

Philippe Coutinho has hinted he will not make a return to Liverpool the future, despite recent reports suggesting Jurgen Klopp had explored the idea.

Coutinho swapped Liverpool for Barcelona two winters ago in a transfer worth an initial £105m, but struggled to make an impression at the Nou Camp and moved on loan to Bayern Munich in the summer, where he has flourished for the Bundesliga champions.

Asked whether he has any regrets over leaving Liverpool, who won the Champions League last season and are on the verge of Premier League glory for the first time in 30 years, Coutinho told Sports Illustrated: “Liverpool are flying, and it doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen it already last year when they won the Champions League, but I’m also not surprised because of their fantastic squad and manager.

“I am so happy for them, because I have so many friends there, former teammates – so I’m just so happy for them – but that’s all. I don’t look back. I took another path, and now I am on another journey, much like everyone else. I’m focused entirely – just like them – on reaching my dreams. I’m happy with what I did in the past, and now I can only look forward.”

Bayern, who will play Chelsea in the upcoming Champions League round of 16, are currently top of the Bundesliga by a point from RB Leipzig, and Coutinho ​revealed his admiration for the German top flight, comparing its competitiveness and high tempo to the Premier League.

“In the last few months, I have realised more that the Bundesliga is a very balanced league, everyone wants to win–it’s hard to win here,” the Brazilian said. “It’s ... similar to [the] Premier League in the sense that it’s intense and physical. There’s no time to think. It’s fast, hard on the pitch–much like in England. But it’s also technically good with an intense desire to play the game.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in