Lucas Leiva has admitted to becoming a father figure to his young compatriot Philippe Coutinho at Anfield as the former Inter starlet looks to win over Liverpool fans.
Speaking at the pre-match conference ahead of their Europa League clash against Zenit St Petersburg, Lucas told reporters that Coutinho needs time to settle in England.
“He is a very talented player, still very young but with a lot of experience,” the midfielder said of Coutinho.
“He left Brazil when he was 18 and played a few seasons in Italy and Spain. We can expect a lot of things from him but we should give him the time that he will need to adapt to the Premier League and the pace of the game.
“In the game against Swansea we could see a lot of positives from him; the goal just gives him confidence to keep going. We hope he settles very quickly and starts to play really well for the club.
“We know he has a lot of ability and skills – I always say he’s a proper Brazilian, that the fans were probably expecting when I came. Now we have a second one that will be able to show these skills.
“I feel like a father, to be honest. He doesn’t speak much English; he came in the same situation as when I came to Liverpool – very young, doesn’t understand the language.
“I’m just trying to help him to settle very quickly and make him feel comfortable. That’s what I got when I came so that’s the most important thing now.
“Make him feel comfortable and he’ll be able to show his talent on the pitch.”
Source: Liverpool FC
