Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted that former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho will be given opportunities to fight for his future.
The Brazilian’s time at the Nou Camp hasn’t gone fully to plan, having left Anfield to move to Spain in a £142m deal in 2018.
Since then Coutinho has had a loan spell with Bayern Munich and has failed to be a regular starter at Barca.
Ever since his loan with Bayern, reports have continued to swirl over whether he will remain a Barcelona player for much longer.
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A host of clubs have been linked with his services, with Saudi-owned Newcastle United the latest of those credited with an apparent interest in the Brazilian.
The appointment of Xavi as Barcelona’s manager inevitably led to yet more questions over whether Coutinho has a future at the Nou Camp.
However, speaking ahead of his first match in charge of Barca against Espanyol, Xavi has insisted that Coutinho is fully part of his plans going forward.
"Coutinho is someone who can play in various positions and he can be important for the team," Xavi told ESPN.
"He needs to re-find himself and recover his confidence. If he does, he will help us a lot. He has an innate talent."
"It depends on him," Xavi added, speaking about Coutinho improving his fortunes at Barca.
"He will get chances because he's a player I like personally. It's more psychological than anything because he has talent."
