[ad_1]
The Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde, hopes that Philippe Coutinho's attack against Sevilla will boost the confidence of the Brazilian striker.
Coutinho scored twice as Barca beat Sevilla 6-1 on Wednesday to earn a 6-3 success in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
The 26-year-old has been questioned this season, but has converted an early penalty – given by Lionel Messi – before adding another in the second half.
Publisher's choice
Valverde congratulated Coutinho and said he hoped it would give the attacker the boost he needed.
"Leo gave him to take it and he took a great responsibility and made it 1-0," Valverde said.
"I hope success will give him more confidence."
Coutinho thanked Messi after the match for allowing him to qualify.
Barca seemed in trouble in the match but the Coutinho double and the goals of Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Luis Suarez and Messi saw them seal a winning return.
Valverde said it showed that his team, who are leading La Liga, could take over if necessary.
The article continues below
"The best thing to do is that we have security and we confirm that we are a team that, when we have to take a step forward, does it," he said.
Messi pointed out that the win showed that the Catalans were a club that would never throw any competition.
Barcelona will be the next to face with a clash in the Liga Saturday in Valencia.
Source link
