Philippe Countinho spoke to Liverpool star Roberto Firmino before Bayern Munich switch

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Philippe Coutinho has claimed that to German publication Sport Bild that he spoke to Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino before agreeing to switch to Bayern Munich.

The 27-year-old had fallen way down the pecking order at Barcelona and sought advice from former Liverpool team-mate Firmino before heading for the Bundesliga.

Both Coutinho and the Liverpool star are still team-mates with the Brazil national team and Firmino has played in Germany before with Hoffenheim.

Barcelona misfit Coutinho told Sport Bild: “I talked with Roberto Firmino about the intensity of the Bundesliga and the tight matches there. He told me about the different Bundesliga teams.

“Some of my Brazilian team-mates have asked how my time at Bayern is going. I told them I am happy there. I had a great welcome from my team-mates, club, fans, media and want to repay it with goals and performances on the pitch.”

In 201 appearances for Liverpool, Coutinho netted 54 goals and registered 45 assists. In his first two games for Bayern, he has helped them to convincing victories over Schalke and Mainz.

TBR Verdict – Liverpool didn’t need Coutinho

This news probably won’t please Liverpool fans that Firmino has been speaking with Coutinho but it’s fair to say the two are extremely close.

What Liverpool fans are perhaps thankful for is that Coutinho didn’t come back to Anfield.

The Reds have flown out of the blocks this season with four wins from as many games and Firmino, in particular, has been sensational.

The £180,000-a-week (Spotrac) forward has taken the spotlight away from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah with a series of fine performances going into the international break.

Coutinho is on mega-bucks at Barcelona and it won’t have come to cheap to Bayern Munich to take the player on loan for the season.