Cristian Chivu joined Piero Ausilio in speaking to ESPNFC on Philippe Coutinho: “He was much younger than us, but you could see immediately the quality he had. You could tell that for him it was quite difficult for him to get used to Italian football, also because of the physicality as he had trouble gaining strength. But I think that at that age it is normal. But in training he impressed me because you saw at once the qualities, the things he was capable of doing. He had problems during the games, but it was normal because there you have to deal with the pressure of the fans and the press, as well as opponents. things are completely different. but I was impressed by him and I was sure that sooner or later would become a top player.”
The retired Romanian defender added: “He did well, but people expected more. But they forget that he was only a kid and he needed time. It was hard for him during this time, but I think to part of a great Italian team was a great experience for him, they trained him for the next step. In Italy several top clubs have no patience with young players. I think that Inter have seen that he had talent Philippe but they did not have time and did not want to find him to give him an opportunity to grow normally. We always say that the Premier League is more physical in Serie A and for him there was a question mark if he was able to play in England as in Italy he had failed to do so. Liverpool have seen the talent and offered him a new contract, avoiding the error Inter did a few years ago.”
Source: FCInterNews.it
