Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac has jumped to the defence of Philippe Coutinho.

The on-loan Barcelona midfielder has been heavily criticised in the local press for his recent form.

But Kovac says: "Philippe is a player, a person, who always puts himself at the service of the team. Many expect from him magic gestures, as he shows in training.

"Sometimes we gasp when we see what he can do with the ball.

"He is working very hard right now. Many do not even recognise it. He has been unlucky lately, but I am very happy to be able to count on him."