This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Bayern Munich's fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who joined the team on loan from Barcelona last week. The Bavarians are hoping that Coutinho's enthusiasm will translate to the pitch when they face Schalke 04 on Saturday.
Bayern's start to the season has been underwhelming, with a defeat in the German Super Cup to Borussia Dortmund and a 2-2 home draw with Hertha Berlin in their Bundesliga opener last week. A slip-up at Schalke would set off alarm bells at Bayern, who have won the last seven league titles.
Bayern fans were disappointed with the club's lack of activity in the transfer market, but the situation changed last week with the arrival of Coutinho and Inter Milan forward Ivan Perisic on loan. The transfer window in Germany closes next week.
Coutinho, who joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January last year for approximately $170 million, has failed to reach the same heights at the Camp Nou as he did at Anfield. Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski, who had called for reinforcements to remain competitive, believes Coutinho is a game-changer.
“Players like him can decide whether you win the game or not,” said Lewandowski. “With such a player one can play together with no problems from the very first game.”
It remains unclear whether Coutinho will play at Schalke, but he was described as being in top condition after passing his medical on Sunday. Both coach Niko Kovac and Coutinho know that he needs to deliver quickly if the move is to benefit both of them.
Bayern struck a deal for a loan fee of 8.5 million euros ($9.44 million) plus Coutinho's wages, but they know the move will only be successful if they make the deal permanent for a fee of 120 million euros at the end of the season.
