Rodgers shows support for Coutinho

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has given his backing to misfiring midfielder Philippe Coutinho after the Brazilian’s disappointing start to the season.

The 22-year-old has started three of the Reds’ four league matches but last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa was the first time he completed 90 minutes, while he was also taken off in their Champions League win over Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets.