Coutinho can’t wait for first final with Barca

Ian Watson

Philippe Coutinho is relishing the chance to feature in his first final for Barcelona, hoping it is the first of many.

The Brazil international joined Ernesto Valverde’s side in the January transfer window from Liverpool with the intention of winning trophies.

While his former side have reached the Champions League semi-finals, Barcelona are looking to complete a domestic league and cup double after crashing out of Europe’s top competition at the quarter-finals stage to Roma.

Coutinho has helped Barcelona edge closer to the LaLiga title with a 12-point lead with only five fixtures remaining, but his first winners’ medal could come against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final in Madrid.

“I came here to play these types of matches and win titles,” Coutinho told the club’s website.

“Being able to play a final is a very important and very happy moment.”

Coutinho continued: “The days leading up to it are experienced with an eagerness to play, they are great moments and I am anxious for it to arrive.

“It’s my first chance to play a final with Barcelona and I’ll do everything that depends on me so we can play a great game.”

“In a final you never know what can happen, it’s all different. It will be a great game and we have to play like Barcelona and look at our goals, always trying to win.”

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