After an impressive start to his Bayern Munich career, Douglas Costa has admitted to suffering a downturn in form with the Bavarian giants.
Signed for €30 million from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer, Costa, 25, enjoyed a stunning start to his time in Bavaria under Pep Guardiola.
The Brazilian winger caught the eye with a series of virtuoso performances, predominantly on the left flank, replacing then-injured Franck Ribery.
But Costa's form tailed off in 2016 and he admitted to Kicker: "I really played a lot worse during the second half of the season."
However, Costa felt that form slumps were part and parcel of the modern game.
"As a footballer, you can't always consistently deliver top performances. I can only think of two players who've managed to do this over the years -- [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Every other player suffers dips in form. I'm working on it," said the Brazilian.
Explaining his stuttering club form this year: "It's now well known that I'm quick and like to take on my opponent one-on-one. I'm now suddenly confronted with more opposition defenders. There's less space and it's more difficult for me now."
Costa revealed that the club's change in coaches from Guardiola to successor Carlo Ancelotti has been seamless.
"It's been a very smooth transition. It's been so quick and successful, which speaks volumes for the team's flexibility and potential -- and for the trainer. It's very nice to see."
Costa could not hide his sadness at missing the Olympics through injury, having originally been named as one of three over-age players in the Brazil squad, which also included Barcelona star Neymar: "Playing in the Olympics in my homeland would have been a once in a lifetime experience. The chance to win a gold medal will never come again. That's hurts more because of its uniqueness," he said.
A nagging thigh injury has kept Costa out of the game since late May, when he converted Bayern's winning penalty in the German Cup Final penalty shootout victory over Borussia Dortmund.
But his sights are set on featuring in their opening Bundesliga away game on Friday.
"It depends on the next few days. I'm feeling good, but I'm still not at 100 percent. It's up to the trainer, but I'll do everything possible to make the Schalke game," he assured.