Philippe Coutinho is convinced that he will be able to be a part of the new Inter being created by Andrea Stramaccioni.
The Brazilian spent the second half of this season on loan at Espanyol, but took part in the Nerazzurri’s end of season tour of Indonesia.
Philippe Coutinho is convinced that he will be able to be a part of the new Inter being created by Andrea Stramaccioni.
The Brazilian spent the second half of this season on loan at Espanyol, but took part in the Nerazzurri’s end of season tour of Indonesia.
“I like the way that Stramaccioni sees football,” the youngster told the Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about the tactician who replaced Claudio Ranieri in March.
“You can talk to him frankly and at any time of the day. I hope to grow alongside him.
“He lets you move relatively freely in attack, even if you obviously have to help the team out when we are not in possession.”
The 19-year-old is considered as a star of the future, but he struggled to get games under Gian Piero Gasperini and Ranieri in 2011-12.
“I’m a new Coutinho now,” he added. “I got a bit depressed during the campaign when I saw that I was not playing much.
“That won’t happen again though. Playing with continuity for a few months in Spain was fundamental for me.”
The South American also paid tribute to Brazilian teammate Lucio, the veteran defender who has admitted a summer exit is likely.
“He has always been a reference point for me and it will be a great loss if he does leave,” the teenager added.
“I need to just think of myself now by giving my all in an effort to find some space in the first team.”