Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is confident the fans "are with Coutinho".

For victory over Real Sociedad, Coutinho followed up his goal and controversial celebration from midweek with a substitute appearance and was welcomed with whistles.

"I think that there are anecdotal things as everything that goes on at our club becomes very important, but the fans are with Coutinho and Coutinho is with the fans," Valverde said.

He continued: "The game was uncomfortable, as they played well and tried to bring the play out from the back.

"We couldn't bring it out as we wanted to.

"We lacked a spark and freshness to be able to decide the game, but the goal gave us tranquillity.

"In the second half we were better, but the goal woke them up.

"Fortunately, Jordi Alba's goal then arrived."