Coutinho dismisses “unprofessional” claims as Xavi unveiled as Barcelona boss

Eyebrows were raised when Philippe Coutinho was not brought on as a substitute in the draw with Celta Vigo on Saturday, despite the Brazilian being asked to warm up by Sergi Barjuan

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Xavi unveiled as new Barcelona manager

Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho has dismissed any claims that he acted in an “unprofessional” manner during last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Celta Vigo.

The Brazilian appeared to be asked to warm up by interim boss Sergi Barjuan shortly before half-time in the La Liga clash in order to replace the injured Ansu Fati.

However, Alejandro Balde was given the nod to come on instead, with Coutinho left on the substitutes bench for the entirety of the match.

Reports from Spain claim that he refused to come on, while others suggested Barjuan had been left unimpressed by his attitude when asked to warm up.

But shortly after joining up with Brazil for two World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, Coutinho has hit back at the claims.

The former Liverpool man explained: “I was very surprised when I saw the news because in all my career I have never been unprofessional, they can look wherever I went, I always respected everyone.

“Journalists always believe a lot of things.”

Nou Camp legend Xavi was unveiled as Ronald Koeman’s long-term replacement on Monday.

Where should Coutinho go next in his career? Comment down below

And Coutinho has spoken of his admiration for the former midfielder, describing his new boss as a “great man”.

“Xavi was a great player, a great football idol,” he added. “And now he is back home in Barcelona. I hope he can be very successful with the group we have.

“I was able to talk to him once when I visited some doctors in Qatar, I know he is a great man.

“It was not easy to be out for so long but I feel very good. Physically I’m well and I have no pain or problems, now what I need is time to find my best level.

“Since I returned I did not have a sequence of 4 or 5 games from the beginning to be able to reach my best level, get match fit.”

One of Xavi’s biggest challenges at Barcelona will be to get the best out of Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract in June.

The talented Frenchman has struggled with injuries since his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017, making just 81 La Liga appearances.

Xavi said: “Dembele for me in his position could be the best in the world. He has spectacular ability but needs to be coached, to be looked after, and to feel comfortable.

“It also depends on him – his mentality. We must also look after him so he is not injured so much. So his renovation is a priority.”

Xavi also revealed he turned down an offer to join Brazil’s coaching staff after Barcelona approached him for a third time about the managerial position.

The ex-midfielder said: “Twice Barcelona came before. At the first one, I wasn’t ready. The following one, I felt it was not right as there were elections to take place.”