One of Ronald Koeman‘s biggest successes at Barcelona has been the transformation in Ousmane Dembele, but his next challenge is to work the same magic on Philippe Coutinho.
Dembele had fallen well below expectations in his time at the Camp Nou, but under Koeman has now become a key player.
Coutinho is another who could go down as an expensive flop, yet it is in Barcelona‘s interests that Koeman can find a way to make him a valuable player.
Whether that means to form part of his team or simply to allow him a chance to shine in order to sell him at a reasonable price this summer remains to be seen.
We saw at the beginning of the season that the Dutch coach was prepared to give the Brazilian a chance, but injuries and Pedri‘s form have limited his chances.
Coutinho is still recovering from his meniscus injury, but after a check-up in Qatar this week he could be available again soon.
The 28-year-old hasn’t even looked like a shadow of the player who excelled at Liverpool while at the Camp Nou, but Koeman‘s challenge now is to change that.
The Dutchman will meet president Joan Laporta in the coming days to discuss the future of the team, and Coutinho will be on the agenda.
Finding a new team for him and getting something in return will be a lot easier if he can show his worth in the remainder of the season.
