Goal.com · Jan 31, 2019
Valverde hopes Coutinho gains confidence from brace
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde hopes Philippe Coutinho's brace against Sevilla gives the Brazilian attacker a boost in confidence.
Coutinho netted twice as Barca thrashed Sevilla 6-1 on Wednesday to claim a 6-3 aggregate success in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
The 26-year-old has been questioned this season, but converted an early penalty – given to him by Lionel Messi – before adding another in the second half.
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Valverde praised Coutinho and said he hoped that would give the attacker the boost he needed.
"Leo has given it to him to take and he has taken a great responsibility and made it 1-0," Valverde said.
"I hope the success gives him more confidence."