Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is magic... he is the ideal player for Barcelona, says Brazil manager Tite

  • Brazil manager Tite would approve of Philippe Coutinho joining Barcelona
  • Liverpool midfielder has been linked in Spain with a move to the Nou Camp
  • Tite has described the 24-year-old as 'a different player' who can 'invent things'
  • Reds will be desperate to keep hold of star ahead of Champions League return

Brazil manager Tite has claimed that Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho would be the 'ideal player' at Barcelona, with Spanish papers again talking up the possibiliy of a move to the Nou Camp on Friday. 

Coutinho is integral to Liverpool's plans of competing in the Champions League next season, having enjoyed another stellar campaign for the Reds at the heart of Jurgen Klopp's creative engine.

But the Brazilian's performances at Anfield have naturally led to speculation over his future, with Spanish daily Sport running an interview with Brazil boss Tite - in which he discusses a potential move this summer.

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho would be ideal for Barcelona, according to Brazil boss Tite

Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho would be ideal for Barcelona, according to Brazil boss Tite

Brazil manager Tite was full of praise for Coutinho in an interview with Spanish daily Sport

Brazil manager Tite was full of praise for Coutinho in an interview with Spanish daily Sport

He says: 'It's logical that they want to sign him. Who wouldn't want a player of his talent?


'That magic, that capacity to invent and create something, that change of rhythm, the way he builds play.

'At Liverpool, Coutinho is on the left, but the important thing is that he has the same role as with the national team. Look, if I was Klopp I would fight to make sure I kept hold of him.'

Tite has enjoyed a superb start to his reign as Brazil manager since replacing Dunga just under a year ago, winning eight games to qualify for the 2018 World Cup with four games to spare.

Tite says Neymar and Coutinho compliment each other and can benefit from playing regulalry

Tite says Neymar and Coutinho compliment each other and can benefit from playing regulalry

The 24-year-old was a vital cog for Liverpool in their quest for Champions League football

The 24-year-old was a vital cog for Liverpool in their quest for Champions League football

The former Corinthians boss has called on Coutinho to help erase the country's memories of the last World Cup on home soil, with the former Inter Milan midfielder performing well alongside Neymar in the recent 3-0 victory over Paraguay.

The display only fuelled suggestions that Brazil would benefit from the pair playing regularly at club level - and Tite believes Coutinho would provide competition in the positions behind the front three at Barcelona.

He added: 'They complement each other tactically. There was one goal they were brilliant for, Neymar on the left, Coutinho coming in to the middle. 

'Both create things, find solutions in moments when we're not expecting it. 

'Just to be clear, I'm talking hypothetically... There's Sergio [Busquets] and two articulators, Rakitic and Iniesta, who are the thinkers of the team. Coutinho could play that role. He is the ideal player for Barca.'

Coutinho has teamed up brilliantly with Neymar during Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign

Coutinho has teamed up brilliantly with Neymar during Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign

Coutinho scored 14 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season

Coutinho scored 14 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season