‘Will depend on him’: Manager explains talks with £142m reported Newcastle target

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New Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has explained what he told Philippe Coutinho he must do for the reported Newcastle United transfer target to regain an important role, via AS.

The Blaugrana icon is preparing for his first match at the Camp Nou helm against Espanyol on Saturday. Having returned to Catalunya earlier this month to replace Ronald Koeman.

Xavi took charge of a Barcelona side needing to kickstart their La Liga campaign, after only winning four of 12 games so far. Coutinho had featured in eight of their matches, but only opened four and has only scored once. The Brazilian is also yet to provide a single assist.

Xavi wants Coutinho to show he can offer Barcelona a goalscoring option from midfield to regain an important role. He offered just two and only two assists in 12 games last term.

“Philippe can play in various positions. He has to regain confidence. We have spoken with him and he can be important for the team,” Xavi said.

“He can meet again, he can score goals. The midfielders have to help us to score goals, to attack spaces. He will have opportunities.

“Then it is a more psychological and emotional issue and it will depend on him. But because of talent it will not be and if everything goes well, he will have minutes.”

Coutinho to show Xavi and transfer suitors Newcastle his potential at Barcelona?

Xavi’s comments on wanting Coutinho to show he can offer Barcelona a goalscoring option come amid transfer interest from Newcastle. Reports by Sport claim the Toon’s new Saudi-led owners want to take the Brazilian to St James’ Park next year.

The Spanish publication also claim Barcelona expect Newcastle will target Coutinho in the January transfer window. But the Catalan outlet also note the 29-year-old has absolutely no interest in leaving the Camp Nou this winter.

Yet if Coutinho cannot show Xavi his potential at Barcelona three-and-a-half-years after a £142m transfer from Liverpool, the Blaugrana may seek out Newcastle’s interest.

The next month-and-a-half until the market reopens could be very important for his desire to stay, then. With Coutinho likely facing a now-or-never spell to show why he should stay.