With James out Bayern needed a top star in the midfield - Rafinha
Former Bayern Munich defender Rafinha says Brazilian compatriot Philippe Coutinho is a "brilliant player" and the ideal man to pick up the baton from James Rodriguez.
From one Brazilian to another, Rafinha gave Coutinho three important pieces of advice for life at Bayern.
Though he might not be ready to leap into the starting lineup against Schalke this weekend, Philippe Coutinho is settling in well at Bayern Munich. He’s got a few training sessions under his belt with Niko Kovac and the rest of the squad, but he’s still not quite ready to start after an extended holiday for his involvement with Brazil in the Copa America this summer.
Coutinho has joined Bayern on a season-long loan from Barcelona, while Colombian wizard James spent two years in Munich before returning to parent club Real Madrid earlier this summer, having produced 14 goals and 15 assists in 43 Bundesliga appearances between August 2017 and May 2019.
Ushering in one versatile and cultured big name for another, Rafinha believes it's a win-win for the record champions, as he explained to Bild.
"After James left, Bayern needed another top star in midfield," said the Brazilian, who also left the club at the end of the 2018/19 season following a decorated eight-year stay.
"Philippe Coutinho is a brilliant player. He'll definitely make Bayern a better team, and improve their chances in the UEFA Champions League.
"Hopefully he'll adapt to the Bundesliga quickly."
To that end, Rafinha has offered Coutinho some invaluable tips to aid the ex-Liverpool ace's transition from Catalonia to Bavaria.
"Dress in warm clothes in the winter, Coutinho, of course, might already be used to colder, rainier weather from his time in England playing for Liverpool. As for lederhosen, we have only Bleacher Report’s fanciful interpretation of what he might look like learn how to say [Bayern club motto] Mia san Mia, and buy some Lederhosen," the 33-year-old recommended.
"Enjoy Oktoberfest, the city center with its nice cafes and get involved in all the great things at your disposal."
Coutinho could make his Bundesliga debut against another of Rafinha's former Bundesliga employers, Schalke, on Saturday.
Rafinha spent five years with the Royal Blues, before heading to Bayern - via Genoa - in summer 2011.
The defender, who now plays for Flamengo in his native Brazil, made 332 Bundesliga appearances all told, winning seven league titles.
Coutinho is the 13th Brazilian to wear a Bayern jersey, and he received some helpful, friendly advice from fellow Brazilian Rafinha, who left Bayern at the end of last season to return to Brazil.
Rafinha truly feels that Coutinho will strengthen Bayern and bolster their fortunes in the Champions League with all of the experience he brings to the table:
The Champions League is a very difficult competition. There are many top teams in Europe. It’s certain that the team is now closer to it with Coutinho.
Rafinha also feels that his compatriot fills a void left behind when James Rodriguez left the club at the end of last season. The Colombian possesses a similar, creative playing style to Coutinho, but had fallen out of favor with Kovac and it was time for him to move on. Rafinha feels that Coutinho is just what Bayern needed:
With James out, Bayern needed a top star in the midfield. Coutinho is a magnificent player! He hopefully will quickly get used to the Bundesliga.
DISCLAIMER! Sportmob does not claim ownership of any of the pictures posted on this website. Again, we do not host pictures or videos ourselves. Our authors merely link to the rightful owner. Lastly, Sportmob have carefully considered and reviewed all of its content. Despite that, it is possible that some information might be out-dated or incomplete.