Liverpool 'magician' Philippe Coutinho is ahead of Chelsea's Willian, says Brazil coach Tite
Thursday 6 October 2016 18:57, UK
Brazil coach Tite says Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho is in front of Chelsea's Willian for the national side because he is a "magician".
Chelsea midfielder Willian was selected for Tite's first two games in charge of Brazil, a 3-0 win over Ecuador and a 2-1 win over Colombia, but Coutinho produced impressive performances off the bench.
The Liverpool 24-year-old has also started the new season strongly, scoring four goals in eight appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side, and Tite admitted he is in agreement with the Anfield supporters' nickname for Coutinho.
"Why Coutinho instead of Willian? There's a reason he is called the Magician [by Liverpool fans]," Tite said at his Brazil press conference.
"It was a difficult decision for me, but right now this is Coutinho's moment. And in football, you have to follow the moment.
"With his passes Coutinho opens the lines, creates space. I like his mobility, he was influential in both games when he came on."
Brazil face Bolivia in the first of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers before an away tie against Venezuela as Tite looks to maintain his winning start as national team boss.
Live Monday Night Football
Coutinho is likely to return to Premier League action on October 17 following international duty, when Liverpool face Manchester United, live on Monday Night Football.
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