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Chelsea transfer target Coutinho urged to offer himself for Barcelona pay cut to prove he wants to succeed at Camp Nou

BRAZIL legend Rivaldo has advised compatriot Philippe Coutinho to take a pay cut if it helps to reignite his Barcelona career.

Chelsea and Newcastle are linked to a move for the playmaker once his loan stint at Bayern Munich ends.

 Coutinho still has a future in Spain, according to Rivaldo
Coutinho still has a future in Spain, according to RivaldoCredit: Getty - Contributor

But Rivaldo feels Coutinho may have to take drastic action to ensure Barcelona can give him a second chance at the Nou Camp.

The 48-year-old wrote on Betfair: "Chelsea are the favourites to sign Coutinho and I don't believe they will be put off by his recent injury.

"After all, next season is still very distant and he will have enough time to a 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 board and maybe 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."

TIME TO PHIL

Barcelona's squad are among those taking pay cuts during the coronavirus crisis, as are the player's loan club Bayern.

And the chances of coach Quique Setien bringing Coutinho back into the fold are thought to be half-decent.

Rivaldo hopes his countryman can remain positive amid the uncertainty over his future and produce a strong finish to the season in Germany.

He added: "When things are not going according to the script they really tend to get tougher and tougher and I believe that Coutinho is feeling that at the moment after sustaining an injury that will keep him off the pitch for at least a month-and-a-half.

"After a bad spell at Barcelona, and a modest season at Bayern Munich, he could still have a few games right at the end of this campaign to prove his value and show his talents to clubs that might be interested in signing him.

"Or he could even try to convince Barcelona they should keep him in the squad for next season.


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"I still believe Coutinho has the quality to succeed. 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."

Bayern Munich star Philippe Coutinho wears replica jersey as he scores hat-trick against Werder Bremen
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