Coutinho feels ‘right at home’

– Philippe Coutinho (above) says he already feels part of the “family” after forging a potent partnership with Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich.

The defending German champions play three games in eight days, starting at Bundesliga bottom side Paderborn today before travelling to Spurs in the Champions League on Tuesday and then hosting Hoffenheim in the league.

After failing to fill Andre Iniesta’s huge boots at Barcelona, Coutinho is rebooting his career on loan this season, claiming his first goal with a penalty in last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Cologne.

The Brazilian was outstanding and feels “right at home here”.

Coutinho says the squad’s strong spirit was summed up when Lewandowski, who was on a hat-trick, handed over penalty duties to allow him to score against Cologne.

“It was certainly a great gesture. Lewy had the chance for a hat-trick, but he gave me the chance to score my first goal and I’m grateful for it,” said Coutinho.

Bayern coach Niko Kovac says the pair’s understanding is improving “from game to game” and also praised Lewandowski’s penalty gesture.

“It’s crucial, it can be the sort of little thing which makes the difference. You saw it with Lewy and Philippe – it’s what we need and what we want.”

With Coutinho calling the shots in midfield, Bayern travel to Paderborn on a roll with Lewandowski, who netted twice against Cologne, scoring in each of his last seven games to claim 11 goals in all competitions.

With just one point in five games since being promoted, Paderborn are unlikely to test Bayern.

Bayern are up to second in the German league table, two points behind RB Leipzig, and Kovac wants to “keep our place or if not, climb” in the coming week.

The pressure is on with five teams, including arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund who host Werder Bremen today, just a point behind.

Kovac said healthy competition is keeping Bayern on their toes.

“Everyone wants to play. At the moment, the whole ‘package’ is right, but it only works if we push each other,” added Kovac. –

Berlin

It’s crucial, it can be the sort of little thing which makes the difference.

Niko Kovac Bayern Munich coach