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Ronald Koeman: 'I have always believed in Philippe Coutinho'

Koeman: 'I have always believed in Coutinho'
© Reuters
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman insists that he "always believed" in Philippe Coutinho following the attacker's first goal in 11 months against Valencia.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that he has "always believed" in Philippe Coutinho following the Brazilian's goal against Valencia.

With La Blaugrana already 2-1 up at Camp Nou, Coutinho came off the bench to fire home his first goal of the 2021-22 season, which also marked the first time he had made the net ripple since last November.

The 29-year-old has overcome his injury woes to become a key member of Koeman's Barcelona setup, and the Dutchman has since been singing Coutinho's praises after he was linked with a move away in the summer.

Assessing Coutinho's performances in a press conference, Koeman said: "It was good. When he entered the game he was good. With his freedom we were able to control the game better. He knows how to score goals.

"He has taken an important step because I have always believed in Coutinho. Physically, he is getting better and better."

Coutinho's strike against Valencia was his 24th from 97 games in a Barcelona shirt, but the attacker has now entered the final two years of his deal in Catalonia.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid29226164204472
2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913


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