By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- 27-year-old Coutinho is triggering a euphoric wave among Bayern Munich fans as the Bavarians supporters invade the merchandising stores and proudly present their shirts with the name of the side's latest arrival. Queuing has rarely been as time-consuming in the club's history as in this case.
Besides the enthusiasm, a series of questions remain after the 2013 treble winner signed the Brazilian star on loan from FC Barcelona for 8.5 million euros for a year, including a buying option worth 120 million aside of a reported salary of 12 million.
Who of Bayern's established stars has to make way for the 2019 Copa winner and does coach Niko Kovac need to adjust his tactical system?
Media reports talk about the puzzle Kovac has to sort out regarding the forward position. Some assume Thomas Mueller might lose his place in the starting eleven as the 29-year-old former German international's favourite position is the one right behind spearheading Robert Lewandowski; precisely the spot Coutinho loves best.
Compared to Mueller, Coutinho has far better figures when it comes to goals scored from a distance (26 to 7), successful dribbling (57 percent to 44) and passing in the last third of the pitch per game (8 to 3).
Other than in Liverpool, Coutinho has proved his qualities over the left-wing in Spain which would mean Serge Gnabry might face additional competition.
Kovac also needs to find a spot for loanee Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan, who usually is doing the job along the left-wing, after Bayern's main target Leroy Sane is out of action due to a knee injury. In case Bayern is still interested in the Manchester City winger in the next winter break, Coutinho and Perisic could leave after only 12 months.
Besides Kovac's line-up challenge pundits, former coaches debate about the value of Bayern's latest deals. While Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp is praising Bayern for Coutinho, calling the Brazilian a "great player and a great character", it seems former German national coach Berti Vogts has doubt the move.
"You have to ask why a so-called world star is leaving Barcelona? Is he still a star or just a substitute from a famous club that couldn't push through?" the 72-year-old 1996 European champion is asking in a column.
Both Perisic and Coutinho are ready for action in Bayern's upcoming Bundesliga game this Saturday evening against FC Schalke 04.
Lewandowski is hoping for a flood of good passes as the Polis is said to be the one benefitting most from the latest deals. "With a player like him you can start right away, he doesn't need much time to get used to our game due to his outstanding skills," the forward commented, adding Coutinho is a "game decider of the highest class."
Coutinho though has to prove he can reach the class he delivered back in his Liverpool days after he didn't get much playing minutes in Barcelona.
Looking at Bayern's general tactical approach, it seems apparent that the 2019 German champions game is nearly entirely focused on Lewandowski as no back-up has been bought, but Kingsley Coman, Gnabry, Mueller, Leon Goretzka, Thiago Silva and both new arrivals are well-prepared to deliver for the final consuming 30-year-old.
Meanwhile, Bayern underlined the importance of their latest acquisition with a particular shirt number. Coutinho is going to turn up with Arjen Robben's 10 after the retired Dutch striker gave his approval in a phone call made by Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic.
Initially, Bayern didn't want to use Robben's 10 and Franck Ribery's 7 to pay respect to their deserved veterans who retired after over a decade in the club's shirt.
