Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, who’s currently on loan with Bayern Munich.
Coutinho has recently undergone ankle surgery and will be sidelined for 4-5 weeks which means he might not play for Munich again until the season is over. Despite his injury, Brazil legend Rivaldo doesn’t believe that Chelsea will be put off by his injuries.
“Chelsea are the favourites to sign Coutinho and I don’t believe they will be put off by his recent injury,” the 1999 Ballon d’Or winner told Betfair. “After all, next season is still very distant and he will have enough time to completely recover.
“On the other hand, if the transfer doesn’t go forward and he stays at Barcelona perhaps a salary reduction, based on the player’s decision, could earn plaudits from the club’s board and maybe let him show that he is eager to remain at the club and finally prove his worth.
“Yes, there are many clubs already reducing their players’ salaries because of coronavirus crisis, but if the player takes a step forward in that themselves it would be seen as the attitude of someone interested in remaining at the club. Much could happen before next season and we can only wait for the next chapters of this story.”
Rivaldo also backed Coutinho to return back to form after struggling for form since leaving Liverpool.
“I still believe Coutinho has the quality to succeed,” Rivaldo added. “But sometimes football is tough and volatile.
“The misfortune you might have at one moment can be overcome, so Coutinho must keep calm and be confident about the future because he has lots of quality to shine at any club. This is a delicate moment for him and he must stay positive that things will turn for the better soon.”