Suarez sends Coutinho message of support: 'Stay positive little bro'

Philippe Coutinho has been the most discussed Barca player of the past week due to his underwhelming performances. If Marca is to be believed he even got criticized by Gerard Pique in training for the lack of concentration.

Nevertheless, Coutinho will always have at least one loyal ally in the Barca dressing room: Luis Suarez. Just on Tuesday as Philippe faces additional pressure to perform at the highest level in the upcoming clash against Lyon in the Champions League the Uruguayan has sent Coutinho a message of support via his Instagram page:

The caption under the photo of the pair of attackers reads: “Smile and stay positive, little bro ??."

Mundo Deportivo believe that Philippe Coutinho is likely to get another chance to prove himself at Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Lyon.

Ernesto Valverde is not going to risk Ousmane Dembele who is suffering from pain in his thigh which is rumoured to be a small hamstring strain. Thus, Coutinho is expected to start on Wednesday. On paper, the 26-year-old will be a part of the attacking trio, however, as we have seen this season already, Coutinho is mostly playing in the centre of the pitch leaving the left wing for Jordi Alba's penetrative runs.

Coutinho has only scored two goals in 2019 - both against Sevilla in a 6-1 Copa del Rey win back in January. His last La Liga goal came against Real Madrid in October 2018 while the only contribution he has made since the home Clasico is one assist against Eibar exactly two months ago.

All in all, Philippe has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 38 games this season. He has attracted a lot of criticism from media and fans who discuss the possibility of a summer move elsewhere. Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG were named among potential suitors. Nevertheless, Barcelona players and coach have expressed their support of Philippe on multiple occasions.

"Philippe is having a good season," Gerard Pique said after the Rayo win. "Obviously his cost was very high so that means there are more expectations of his performance level. It is what it is. We have to accept the reaction of the fans because they are our followers but from the inside, we have to give him our support. We need him at his best for the end of the season and I'm sure he will be."