Why we didn’t start Coutinho – Valverde

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has explained why Philippe Coutinho hasn’t been starting games since joining from Liverpool last month.

The Brazilian once again started from the bench as Barca cruised to a La Liga 2-0 victory over Eibar on Saturday, forcing Valverde to answer questions as to why the midfielder was dropped from the game considering he was ineligible for the Champions League Round of 16 cracker against Chelsea on Tuesday.

Explaining his decision to drop Coutinho, Valverde told reporters: “I think it was best for my team to try to win.

“Last week Coutinho started, Iniesta didn’t, so this week Iniesta started.

“It’s true that on Tuesday we have another match but for me the most important thing was this match.

“On Tuesday, let’s see, I know Coutinho cannot play, but we will do something.”