Steven Gerrard expecting Philippe Coutinho to ‘go up another level’ at Aston Villa
Coutinho has joined Aston Villa on a four-year deal from Barcelona
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Your support makes all the difference.Boss Steven Gerrard backed Philippe Coutinho to get even better after the playmaker joined Aston Villa permanently.
The forward has penned a four-year deal at Villa Park following a £17million switch from Barcelona.
He joined on loan in January and has four goals in 16 appearances, with Gerrard expecting the Brazil international to improve.
“To have him here full-time and settled, he’ll go up another level because that feeling of knowing where he’s going to be playing his football for the next four years will help him settle,” the Villa manager said.
“He’s a player that needs to feel wanted; he needs to feel support. Everyone has played a part – me, the coaching staff, all the support staff and, most importantly, the owners, Christian Purslow and Johan Lange have made him feel really special.
“That’s where the decision’s come from. He feels really happy here and it’s fantastic that he wants to be part of this journey.
“We’re very pleased with the news. I was aware a little bit before it was announced and I think it’s fantastic news for everyone connected with the club, most importantly the supporters.
“The reaction has been very positive because you’ve seen over the last five months he’s played very well. There’s still loads left in him, in our opinion.”
Ollie Watkins is a doubt for Sunday’s visit of Crystal Palace with an ankle injury and Leon Bailey and Kortney Hause are out, but Jacob Ramsey is available.
Villa are 12th in the Premier League after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, a point behind this weekend’s visitors with three games left.
Gerrard said: “In my shoes, there’s always got to be a purpose and importance to every single game.
“We’re representing Aston Villa, we’ve got 20,000 people waiting to have a season ticket in the stadium – you saw the atmosphere the other night – and they’re paying good money to come and support the team.
“There’s always a purpose for the supporters but also for self-pride, for your own drive. You’ve got to have that drive inside you to compete every time you go on to a football pitch.
“For me, it’s extremely important that we finish the season strongly in the last three games.”
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