Thursday 31 August 2017 07:32, UK
Brazil coach Tite says Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho needs to be in a "place where he feels happy".
Tite says he has told Barcelona target Coutinho that he must be in a "place where he feels happy; if it's at Liverpool or if it's a move to Barcelona".
The Spanish giants have already had three bids turned down by Liverpool for Coutinho, who is away on international duty with Brazil, and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is adamant that the Brazilian will not be sold in the current transfer window.
Brazilian coach Tite claims all the transfer speculation has had an impact on the forward, who will start on the bench against Ecuador in Thursday's World Cup qualifying match.
Speaking at a Brazil press conference, he said: "It has affected him and will continue to affect him until the transfer window closes."
"If he leaves, he will continue to be affected because he'll need time to adapt to his new club. Players are human beings and they respond in different ways.
"I'm not sure how he will respond because it depends on the person.
"I don't have an opinion on what is best for him. If he stays at Liverpool. I will be happy. If he goes to Barcelona I will be happy too."
Coutinho, who has not played for Liverpool this season, is reported to have been suffering from a back injury, but Tite confirms he will feature against Ecuador.
"Our medical team contacted Liverpool to find out what the situation is," Tite said,
"It's important that he is with us but at the same time we don't want to take any risks.
"Willian has been playing, he is doing great so, in fairness, he will start the match and Coutinho is benched."
