FC Bayern Munich

Philippe Coutinho doesn't appear ready to make his Bayern Munich debut in Saturday's trip to Schalke after manager Niko Kovac said the loan signing from Barcelona doesn't have the necessary fitness.

Kovac spoke at a press conference on Thursday and—in what appeared to be a joint decision between manager and player—said Coutinho agreed he wasn't at the required level:

"He is not quite at the level of fitness he needs to play for 90 minutes. He has said that himself, and we don't want to take any risks. He has only been training for the last two weeks, so he needs to catch up. I know a lot of people want us to play him straight away, but everything has to be right."

Die Roten recently confirmed Coutinho's arrival on a season-long loan from the Camp Nou, with a purchase clause valued at €120 million, per Goal's Chris Burton.

The Brazilian is already settling in to his new surroundings and has trained among his new team-mates at the Allianz Arena:

Excited @FCBayernEN fans got to enjoy their first glimpse of @Phil_Coutinho in training today 👀

The weekend can't come soon enough... ⚽ pic.twitter.com/jRmtoa20oE

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) August 20, 2019

Bayern's Bundesliga title defence got off to a stuttered start when they drew 2-2 at home to Hertha Berlin in Week 1.

The agreement to sign Coutinho on temporary terms was confirmed a few days later, and he'll hope to turn the tide back in their favour following an apparent shift in the title-race momentum.

Ivan Perisic is another wide option after he joined the club on loan from Inter Milan in August. Kovac suggested the Croat was more likely to get his first minutes in Bayern colours, per Goal's Ronan Murphy:

Niko Kovac on Perisic: “Ivan is much further along than Coutinho, he has the same level of fitness as the other players. He is an option, maybe even from the beginning.” #FCBayern

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) August 22, 2019

Borussia Dortmund have been backed as likely challengers for the German top-flight crown this season following a fruitful summer, and Bayern are already playing catch-up in the standings.

Brazil and Barcelona legend Rivaldo recently suggested that playing alongside five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi can be a hindrance for someone like Coutinho, per Goal:

Rivaldo: “It's never easy to find your space in a team where Lionel Messi constantly takes all the credit & responsibility. There are few players in the world capable of reaching such a situation & imposing themselves."

Is Leo to blame for Coutinho's failings in Barcelona? 🤨 pic.twitter.com/pkYvlfQLGC

— GOAL (@goal) August 22, 2019

Stepping closer to the limelight, as he was in Liverpool, could see Coutinho return to his best in Bavaria. However, a debut at home to Mainz on Saturday, August 31, may be a more realistic target than the Week 2 visit to the Veltins-Arena.    

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has backed Philippe Coutinho to shine at Bayern Munich.

The former Reds playmaker recently moved to the Bundesliga champions on loan from Barcelona, and Klopp waxed lyrical about what he can bring to the team.

He told Kicker (h/t Goal's Chris Burton):

"Coutinho didn't get to play in his preferred No. 10 role all that much when he was with us, but he's a great No. 8 and is a fantastic left winger because he's incredibly good in tight spaces and has the pace to exploit bigger spaces.

"He dominates football matches and is a real asset if he can put his stamp on the team.

"Bayern needed him, and Bayern wanted him. If they can integrate him and get the very best out of him, the Bundesliga will have a top player on its hands."

The manager also noted his goal threat from long range and likened his "precision" with which he hits the ball after cutting in from the left to that of Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Coutinho is a player with a highlight reel full of impressive goals:

🇧🇷 Philippe Coutinho 😎#UCL | @Phil_Coutinho https://t.co/2qgSqSlNTR pic.twitter.com/2AgRi9e6T1

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 19, 2019

However, as sports writer Andy West noted, he struggled to fit in at Barcelona:

Coutinho just never fitted in at Barça. They needed someone to replace Iniesta and someone to replace Neymar but he could do neither. He does similar things to Messi but not as well, and never really looked comfortable. Don't see him coming back.

— Andy West (@andywest01) August 19, 2019

The Brazilian moved to the Camp Nou in January 2018 for €160 million (£147 million), but his performances over the past season-and-half have often been wanting.

Given their investment in him, Barca will have been hoping for more production than he offered in the final third:

🌍@Phil_Coutinho's career heads to 🇩🇪

How many goals will he contribute to @FCBayernEN? pic.twitter.com/ALoS78uAlD

— COPA90 (@Copa90) August 20, 2019

Bayern can give the 27-year-old a fresh start, though.

The Bavarians lost wing duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season, as well as attacking midfielder James Rodriguez.

Prior to Coutinho's arrival, the only recruitment that addressed any of those departures was the loan of Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic.

There's scope for Coutinho to fill in for Rodriguez, and he can also be used out wide if necessary.

Bayern have the option of making his loan permanent next summer for €120 million (£110 million). If Coutinho can reignite his career at the Allianz Arena and become a match-winning player again, as he was at Liverpool, it's an option they will likely take.

Barcelona legend Rivaldo has said he is "disappointed" about Philippe Coutinho's exit from the Camp Nou and suggested his fellow Brazilian "didn't have enough patience to find his spot in the team."

Coutinho joined Bayern Munich on a season-long loan deal on August 19 after failing to establish himself as a guaranteed starter in the Barca side.

Philippe Coutinho is Bayern Munich's new No. 10 🔴 pic.twitter.com/K1zh4nqeRy

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 19, 2019

He only signed for Barca from Liverpool in a £142 million deal in January 2018, but Antoine Griezmann's summer arrival at the Camp Nou was set to push the 27-year-old to the fringes of the squad.

Coutinho was only handed 22 starts in La Liga last term and failed to live up to his huge price tag.

Coutinho didn't hide last season he just looked so much like a player trying too hard to fit in. Would expect a pretty rapid return to form in a team where he felt like a star again.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) August 6, 2019

Rivaldo believes the presence of Lionel Messi in the Barca squad played a part in Coutinho failing to flourish, per Betfair (h/t MailOnline's Tom Caldon):

"I always believed that Philippe Coutinho had the ability to be a success at Barcelona, but things were taking too much time and both parties agreed on a transfer to Bayern Munich. I'm a little disappointed about his failure in gaining a regular place in the first team, but perhaps he was no longer confident about it and unhappy, so he opted for a move to another big club trying to finally recover his best football from his time at Liverpool.

"It's never easy to find your space in a team where Lionel Messi constantly takes all the credit and responsibility. There are few players in the world capable of reaching such situation and imposing themselves, and maybe Coutinho didn't have enough patience to find his spot in the team. The Argentinian star is the team leader and will keep playing at his best level for about three or four more years, so it is difficult to see other players shining at their best at Barcelona."

Bayern's deal with Barca over Coutinho includes an option to buy the playmaker at the end of the season.

Bayern Munich will pay Barcelona between €15m and €20m to loan Philippe Coutinho this season, with a purchase option of €120m, according to Mundo Deportivo. #FCBayern #Barca

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) August 17, 2019

There is no obligation on Bayern's part, though, so Coutinho could potentially return to Barca in a year.

However, he said on his arrival at the German champions he wants to stay at the club for a "long time and win many titles," per Sergi Diaz of Sport. 

Bayern have made two major defensive signings this summer, bringing in Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez for nearly £100 million.

Both their major attacking additions—Coutinho and Ivan Perisic—have been signed on loan deals.

The pair will be crucial for Bayern in the new campaign as they begin life without Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who both left the club at the end of last term.  

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has said he is unsure why midfielder Renato Sanches made public complaints about his lack of minutes so far this season.

After coming on as a late substitute against Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga opener on Friday, Sanches told Sport1 (h/t MailOnline's Adam Shergold) that "five minutes is not enough" and his situation at the Allianz Arena is "not good."

Salihamidzic has hit back at the Portugal international and outlined the opportunities he's had so far this term, per Ryan Benson of Goal:

"Renato has played three times since the start of the season. Against Borussia Dortmund he was subbed on, in the DFB-Pokal he started and this weekend, although it was only for five minutes, he was also subbed on.

"Therefore, I didn't really understand why he had to make these remarks. We will see [if he stays], I already explained on Monday that we'll keep all our options open until September 2 [when the transfer window closes]. Other than that, I don't want to say much more about it."

Bayern recently unveiled new midfield signing Mickael Cuisance. The acquisition of the Frenchman will only add more competition to what is a stacked section of the Munich squad:

Bayern Munich have OPTIONS in midfield 👌 pic.twitter.com/IcSYXG7kou

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 19, 2019

The comments from Salihamidzic are of a similar theme to those of chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who said the 22-year-old needs to "calm down."

Few would have anticipated Sanches' career being at such a precarious point after the summer of 2016. The midfielder was regarded as one of the best prospects in world football, having agreed to move to Bayern and shone for Portugal on their way to UEFA European Championship glory.

Sanches moved to Swansea City on loan for the 2017-18 season and struggled with life in the Premier League. Last term, he made 17 appearances in the German top flight, although only four of them were starts.

In pre-season there were some signs of Sanches rediscovering form, as he netted against Fenerbahce: 

A lovely @FCBayern move leaves, former Swansea midfielder, Renato Sanches with an empty net to open the scoring 🔴

Join us LIVE on @ITV4 or on the @itvhub now!#packmas #Fenerbahce pic.twitter.com/txwXJLa1zs

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 30, 2019

He also grabbed a brace, although as Portuguese football journalist Tom Kundert noted, the opposition left much to be desired:

Was thinking perhaps this is at last the start of Renato Sanches' rebirth as I read he scored a brace for Bayern! Then I read it was in a 23-0 victory against a village team... https://t.co/cwiWcwvpLs

— Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) August 8, 2019

Given he's not impressed consistently when given chances and now he's made his dissatisfaction with his situation known, there doesn't appear to be a clear path towards Sanches becoming a first-team regular at Bayern.

Salihamidzic appeared coy on whether Sanches will remain at the club, although at this juncture it feels like a parting of the ways would suit all parties, even though Sanches has until 2022 to run on his Bayern contract.

If he is to rediscover the spark and dynamism that made him such a force as a teenager, you sense a new chapter needs to begin imminently.

Former Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben believes the club have secured a "world-class" footballer in Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho's loan move from Barcelona to Bayern was confirmed on Monday, with the Brazil international leaving the Camp Nou after a torrid season-and-a-half. The Bundesliga side have the option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of €120 million should they wish.

Coutinho has taken the shirt number that Robben made famous at the Allianz Arena in recent years, and the Dutchman said the jersey's new incumbent is a fine acquisition for the German champions, per Chris Burton of Goal:

"I got a very nice call from Brazzo [Hasan Salihamidzic], he told me Coutinho wanted the 10. I replied that I only want the best for the club and if the 10 is good for him, that's great and they have to do it.

"Coutinho is a world-class player, he will certainly help the club. A super transfer. He will need some time, but with his skills he will go for it."

The arrival of Coutinho adds more depth to the midfield positions at Bayern. Manager Niko Kovac has a number of high-quality operators to choose from in this facet of the field:

Bayern Munich have OPTIONS in midfield 👌 pic.twitter.com/IcSYXG7kou

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 19, 2019

Bayern supporters will be hoping they get the Coutinho who lit up English football in his time at Liverpool, not the one who failed to shine in La Liga.

When he was at Anfield, the playmaker was a joy to watch. Whether tucked in on the left side or playing in a more central area, Coutinho was always dangerous, as he could saunter past challenges, open up spaces for team-mates and shoot from distance, too.

At Barcelona, he struggled to stamp his authority on games, although since his arrival at the club, the team fared better when he's featured:

Barcelona with and without Coutinho starting in LaLiga

For more player stats -- https://t.co/UklSKJ0274 pic.twitter.com/uW8CrxorV4

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) August 20, 2019

BT Sport Football looked back at some of his best moments in European competition in the past:

🇮🇹 Inter
⬇️
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Liverpool
⬇️
🇪🇸 Barcelona
⬇️
🇩🇪 Bayern

A scorer of some truly great goals, Coutinho continues his tour of major European clubs.pic.twitter.com/OZBQ9w2HfP

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2019

The midfielder will hope a move to a club like Bayern will be a catalyst to his getting back to those levels.

The German club won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal last season, but they struggled in the UEFA Champions League, eliminated by eventual winners Liverpool in the quarter-finals. Per Goal's Ronan Murphy, Coutinho has said winning the European Cup with Bayern is an ambition:

Coutinho on Bayern winning the #UCL: “Bayern has a tradition where the expectations are high. Of course, the Champions League is a goal. I’m here and want to do everything possible to reach all the goals, to win the Bundesliga, the cup, and the Champions League.”

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) August 19, 2019

That's something Robben did in his time at the club, scoring a dramatic winner in the 2012-13 final against Borussia Dortmund. The winger is a Munich legend for that goal alone, but he also won eight domestic titles during his time in the German capital.

Like Coutinho, Robben moved to Bayern after his big-money transfer to a La Liga side—the Dutchman joined Real Madrid in 2007—didn't quite work out as planned. If the Brazilian wants to reignite his career, the man who formerly wore the Bayern No. 10 jersey is a fine example to follow.

Philippe Coutinho is ready to accept the "big responsibility" of playing for Bayern Munich, even though "things didn't work out" for him at Barcelona.

Coutinho sealed a deal to join Bayern Munich on a season-long loan with an option to buy on Monday, per Barca's official website. The Brazilian didn't have the easiest time at the Camp Nou but admitted his career with the Blaugrana was an education.

He went into greater detail when he was officially presented as a new Bayern player, per BBC Sport: "In Barcelona, a lot of things did not turn out as we had imagined. But this is now history. I hope to stay here a long time and win many titles."

A reflection of Bayern's faith in Coutinho's ability to return to his best form comes from the Bundesliga giants' decision to hand him the No. 10 shirt. It previously belonged to Arjen Robben, the prolific winger who left the Allianz Arena this summer after a trophy-laden 10-year spell.

Coutinho is aware of the onus that taking Robben's number puts on him to make a fast start to his tenure in Munich: "The jersey of FC Bayern and the No. 10 is a big responsibility. It belonged to Robben, he was a great reference in football. I hope to be able to live up to expectations with good football on the pitch."

Meeting the same standards Robben set will require Coutinho regaining the swagger he lost during a difficult stint with Barca. The Brazil international joined the club from Liverpool in 2018 with a reputation as one of the most dynamic playmakers in Europe:

Bayern Munich fans will be hoping to see more of this from Philippe Coutinho 💥 pic.twitter.com/3IVVAsJUFq

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 19, 2019

His form deteriorated while he struggled to establish himself in a Barcelona squad geared to the talents of Lionel Messi and experiencing something of a stylistic shift on Ernesto Valverde's watch.

Coutinho may have arrived at Barca just a few years too late. His flair and vision are better suited to the technical, possession-based game the Blaugrana played under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

Things have been a little cagier and involve more direct passing with Valverde at the helm. It meant Coutinho often appeared out of sorts in an otherwise-muscular midfield featuring Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic.

Even so, Coutinho was keen to point out how his experiences with Barca weren't all bad, per Perform (h/t AS): "Within those years I did have great experiences. I learnt a lot, won a lot with that club and then we had the Copa America, which I won with Brazil, and that was really important."

🇧🇷 More of this from Philippe Coutinho 🔜❓#UCL | @Phil_Coutinho https://t.co/Qxjm2kKpss pic.twitter.com/Tt1IWOWmbx

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 19, 2019

Joining Bayern is an ideal fit for Coutinho, who will continue to ply his trade for a European heavyweight with genuine aspirations of winning the UEFA Champions League. The 27-year-old is also the right player to provide the creativity and magic from central areas that Die Roten have lost now James Rodriguez has returned to Real Madrid following a two-year loan spell in the German top flight.

Playing with Corentin Tolisso and Leon Goretzka will give Coutinho the freedom to roam into and exploit the pockets of space between the midfield and forward lines. Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara is a technical maestro on a similar wavelength to Coutinho, and the pair can keep the supply lines open to Robben and Franck Ribery's successors on the flanks: Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry.

Bayern Munich completed the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona on Monday. 

The Barcelona Twitter account confirmed the move:

Agreement with @FCBayern for the loan of @Phil_Coutinho
More details: https://t.co/YWy78OmRnU pic.twitter.com/6J5DN00SmC

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 19, 2019

In an accompanying statement, Barcelona said Bayern will pay €8.5 million to loan Coutinho for the season and have the option of making the transfer permanent for €120 million.

Bayern posted the following video welcoming their new signing:

#ServusCoutinho! 👋😊🇧🇷

➡️ https://t.co/dYTK6kjTJB pic.twitter.com/Sz7LTFwNvw

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) August 19, 2019

He departs Barca after fewer than two years, having moved to the Camp Nou from Liverpool in January 2018 for a club-record fee of £142 million.

Despite his price tag, the 27-year-old failed to earn a guaranteed first-team spot under Blaugrana manager Ernesto Valverde; 12 of his 34 La Liga appearances in 2018-19 came from the bench.

He was largely underwhelming when he did get a run in the side.

Coutinho was an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool team and a huge fan favourite at Anfield.

But he never really settled at the Camp Nou, and his performances against his former side in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season were indicative of his declining reputation at Barcelona:

Coutinho hauled off again. He's been utterly appalling.

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 7, 2019

That does not mean he is a spent force, though. At 27, he is in the peak years of his career, and he will be a fine signing for Bayern if he can rediscover the form he had at Liverpool.

After opting against signing James Rodriguez on a permanent deal from Real Madrid this summer after a two-year loan, Bayern have a dearth of natural creativity in their midfield. Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben also left the club at the end of last season, meaning Munich have lost two consistently productive players in wide areas.

Coutinho has been at his best when playing as a No. 10 or on the left flank, where he can cut inside and make contributions in the final third. His vision, dribbling skill and ability to hit the target from distance made him a huge success when on Merseyside.

The Brazilian will be disappointed at the manner in which his Barcelona career has panned out. However, Bayern's interest in him after a tough spell is indicative of the quality Coutinho possesses, and he'll be hopeful a new set of challenges can be a catalyst for a return to form.

Marko Grujic has hailed former Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho's pending transfer from Barcelona to Bayern Munich, saying the Brazilian will be the best footballer in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to Bild (h/t Goal's Michael Plant), Grujic was full of praise for Coutinho's skill:

"It's a big thing for the whole Bundesliga to have the possibility to see Coutinho play now.

"He is a special and exciting player, he does crazy things. He got incredible tricks and skills in his locker. I enjoyed every training session with him in Liverpool. He will be by far the best footballer in Germany."

Grujic is still on the books at Liverpool and will spend the 2018-19 campaign on loan at Hertha BSC. He arrived at Anfield in 2016, and he trained with Coutinho until the midfielder departed for Barcelona in 2018.

The 27-year-old has been a disappointment in Catalonia. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on Friday confirmed he will be moving to Bavaria on loan this summer, per ESPN.

He arrived in Germany for his medical on Sunday:

Philippe Coutinho has arrived at Bayern Munich to complete his medical as he edges closer to sealing his loan move from Barcelona.

More: https://t.co/xVX3y8rcSg pic.twitter.com/XiDPu8FGcW

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 18, 2019

Bayern have shown they are not afraid to take a chance on top talents who have fallen on hard times in Spain. James Rodriguez spent the past two seasons on loan at the Allianz Arena before returning to Real Madrid this summer.

The Bundesliga champions got off to a poor start on Friday, playing out a 2-2 draw with Hertha at home:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojj0GaYEj20

The German giants are still finalising their squad for this season, recently signing Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic on a loan deal. The Croat was on the bench for Friday's Bundesliga curtain-raiser.

Coutinho should help fill the creative void that was left by Rodriguez's departure. He was one of the world's most wanted footballers just 18 months ago, and while things didn't work out at the Camp Nou, there's reason to believe he will rediscover his form at the Allianz Arena.

His performances for the national team have remained consistent, and Goal wondered which version of the player will arrive in Munich:

Which version of Coutinho will Bayern be getting? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/7YBMCXLg98

— GOAL (@goal) August 17, 2019

In his last full Premier League season with Liverpool, Coutinho bagged 13 goals and added seven assists in 31 appearances.

Bayern Munich have completed a deal to bring Philippe Coutinho to the Allianz Arena on loan from Barcelona, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Friday, according to ESPN. 

"I can confirm [Bayern sporting director] Hasan Salihamidzic and I were in Barcelona last Wednesday. And we reached an agreement with both the club and the player over a transfer," Rummenigge said. 

"The player is expected here in Munich in the next days, Sunday or Monday at the latest. He'll do his medical and then sign his contract."

Earlier, ESPN's Samuel Marsden reported talks were at an "advanced" stage between the Bundesliga giants and Coutinho's parent club:

Advanced negotiations between Barca and Bayern over initial loan move for Coutinho, as first reported on RAC1. Full details to come...

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) August 16, 2019

Coutinho has struggled to establish himself at the Camp Nou, while Bayern are still busy rebuilding after losing the influence of wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, as well as the flair of No. 10 James Rodriguez, earlier this summer.

Coutinho's standing at Barca is summed up by his omission from the match squad for Friday's La Liga opener away to Athletic Bilbao.

It's important there are places in the starting XI for big-money summer imports Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong. Both play in positions where Coutinho has found it difficult to exert his influence, with Griezmann a prolific source of goals from out wide, while De Jong is a progressive midfielder who bosses central areas.

Coutinho's ability to play in the middle or on the flanks would be a major asset for Bayern. Die Roten said goodbye to Robben and Ribery but have already taken steps to fill the void by adding Ivan Perisic on loan.

The arrival of the Croatia international is yet another example of Bayern's terrific use of the loan market in recent years.

Coutinho: Had more shots (21) than any other player at the 2019 Copa America

For more player stats -- https://t.co/UklSKJhDvE pic.twitter.com/p1CiJZh37U

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 14, 2019

Rodriguez spent the last two seasons in Germany while still on the books at Real Madrid. Replacing the Colombian's vision and technique may prove more difficult than offsetting the departures of Robben and Ribery.

Coutinho could fill the void, provided he can get back to his pre-Barcelona best. He was exceptional for Liverpool before joining Barca in 2018, combining skill with pace, ingenuity and shooting power.

Even in a down season, Coutinho helped himself to 11 goals and five assists in all competitions for the Blaugrana during the 2018/19 campaign. Yet despite the solid numbers, the 27-year-old has rarely seemed like a natural fit as a No. 10 in a Barca team geared around the creative instincts of roaming forward Lionel Messi.

Being in Messi's shadow doesn't mean Coutinho isn't ready for a top European club, though. He repaired his reputation with some quality displays to help Brazil win the 2019 Copa America this summer:

Snapping up a schemer this gifted and versatile on favourable loan terms would be a coup for a Bayern team needing more magic from the heart of midfield.

Ivan Perisic wasted no time in deciding to join Bayern Munich from Inter Milan after the Bundesliga giants offered him an opportunity. 

Per Goal's Patric Ridge, Bayern turned their attention to the Croatian after their primary target, Manchester City's Leroy Sane, suffered a long-term knee ligament injury.

Having joined on a season-long loan on Tuesday, Perisic said in his first press conference on Wednesday:

"It happened really quickly. Everybody knows what happened [with Sane], and I hope he recovers well and quickly.

"But when they called me, I took only a few hours to take my decision with my family. When a club like Bayern call, you cannot say no.

"That's the reason I'm here. I want to do the best here every day, each game, and I hope it's going to be a successful year."

The Bavarian club have the option to make the 30-year-old's stay at the Allianz Arena permanent, so an impressive season from Perisic could keep him at the club.

The winger took part in training shortly after Bayern announced his arrival on Tuesday:

Our new addition is already getting used to his new workplace at Säbener Straße! ⚽#ServusIvan #FCBayern pic.twitter.com/3Gbn26CTnJ

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) August 13, 2019

Following the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season, there was a need for the German club to add to their wide options this summer.

Although Perisic perhaps isn't quite the same calibre they were in their prime, he's a fine player in his own right, and he contributed 40 goals and 37 assists in 163 appearances for Inter.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe is an admirer:

Bayern have missed out on a lot of targets this summer, but Ivan Perisic isn’t a bad consolation prize at all. A goalscorer and a very hard worker. https://t.co/L4LOwO8L7D

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) August 13, 2019

He's used to playing in the Bundesliga, too, having played for Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund before making the move to Italy:

It's official: Ivan Perišić is returning to the #Bundesliga 🇭🇷🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/p2JgJzXZhQ

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) August 13, 2019

Although some Bayern supporters might be disappointed that Sane won't be arriving at the club this summer, Perisic is a strong addition to the squad.

He'll not only be able to supply Robert Lewandowski with ammunition, he'll also be able to chip in with strikes of his own to share the goalscoring burden with the striker.

As Bayern look to compete on multiple fronts over the course of the season, Perisic will be a useful option to call upon alongside Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman.