Lazio midfielder Lucas Leivas has urged Barcelona fans not to lose faith in Philippe Coutinho.

Lucas and Coutinho played together at Liverpool and the former is aware of the problems his old teammate has experienced in Spain.

He told Cadena Ser: "When people do not know him, they may think he is reserved because he is sad.

"I was recently with him and I saw him very happy. I do not see him sad. People are talking because they are not close to him, that's normal.

"I have no doubt that in the locker room of Barça, he is appreciated. It's impossible not to like Coutinho."