Here is how Valverde will manage Coutinho and Dembele going forward
The coach won't make either player his first choice and will instead share the minutes between the two forwards
During his most recent press conferences Ernesto Valverde has had to answer various questions about whether Coutinho or Dembele will be first choice forward. Valverde has always responded that whoever was the most fit would start for each game and both players are happy with that. It isn't easy to keep everyone in the dressing room happy but the coaching staff isn't expected to change how they manage it now. The idea is to give both Dembele and Coutinho opportunities in the upcoming matches, including two potential finals.
Dembele's return from injury has given Valverde a further headache as the French man has largely been first choice ahead of Coutinho. The most recent break has allowed the Brazilian to rediscover his form but Valverde will continue to share the workload between the two.
This weekend Barça can win LaLiga and Valverde will need to decide which one he'll go with againt Levante. The current idea is that the pair will be rotated each week, both for the semi-finals as well as the two possible finals. If they reach the Champions League final it'll be a straight battle between the two and whoever is the most fit and in better form will be given the nod.
The coach has prioritised the team's success over everything else. This means everyone has been given an equal chance to prove themselves out on the pitch. The dressing room is strong, united and the idea is for both players to finish the season in their best form which will aid Barça in their quest to win the treble.
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