90min

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Discusses Disappointing Philippe Coutinho's Patchy Bayern Form

By Grey Whitebloom

facebooktwitterreddit

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has acknowledged the inconsistent form of loan signing Philippe ​Coutinho since arriving from Barcelona in the summer.

Coutinho began life in Germany with a run of promising appearances, contributing to four goals in his first three Bundesliga starts. However, the Brazilian has failed to string together a series of consistent performances since and has found himself on the bench in recent weeks. 

There is an ​option for Bayern to buy the 27-year-old for €120m in the summer but the hierarchy of the Bavarian giants seems to be confused with Coutinho's inconsistency. 

Speaking to the German publication ​Bild about the Brazilian's time with the Bundesliga champions, Rummenigge said: "I think he played some games well and in some games he gives the impression that he is a bit inhibited. I do not know why that is."

Rummenigge made clear that the club's faith in their number ten is still there, explaining: "The fact is that we all believe that he is a great footballer, we see that in training and sometimes in the game. Everyone tries to help him, the coach, the teammates."

Sitting atop the Bundesliga, with the ​Champions League on the horizon, Bayern's chairman added: "We now have to hope that in the crucial weeks that are starting now, he will become an important factor in helping us win titles."

With ​Bayern Munich travelling to London to face Chelsea in the Champions League in midweek, several first-team players, including the likes of Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman, were rested for the league game at home to relegation-threatened Paderborn.

Yet, Coutinho was given only his second Bundesliga start of the year as the hosts made heavy weather of what was supposed to be a straightforward match, with the Brazilian substituted after 63 minutes. 

However, as Bayern are still in the mix for three competitions, there should be plenty of time for Coutinho to work his way back into the side, with the Chelsea game his next opportunity.