Villa squad on mission to provide a fillip for Coutinho!
JOHN McGinn says it’s the job of the dressing room to get Philippe Coutinho flying high again after the Brazilian got his Villa career off to a stormer.
Coutinho, who has signed on loan from Barcelona for the remainder of the season, came off the bench to score the equaliser on his debut as Villa fought back to draw 2-2 with Manchester United.
It was a taste of what Villa fans are hoping is still to come from the former Liverpool playmaker, who managed 74 minutes of the 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday.
McGinn revealed just how grounded his new team-mate has been since walking through the doors at Bodymoor Heath.
“He’s first class, world class,” he said. “It’s our job as his team-mates to get him back happy again, and playing with a smile.
“What he is is just a normal, hardworking guy. He’s the same as everyone else in the dressing room – he doesn’t see himself as better than us, above us.
“He’s here to help us succeed and I was delighted for him to get a goal on his debut, and as excited as I am to play with him, I’m sure the Villa fans are excited to see him.
“Hopefully we can work together and flourish.”
Coutinho’s signing was down in no small part to head coach Steven Gerrard, his former Liverpool colleague. His arrival, and also that of Lucas Digne, points to the pull Villa have as a club with Gerrard at the helm.
Having worked previously with former England international John Terry during the days of Dean Smith, McGinn is used to having a big name patrolling the training ground and overseeing sessions.
Former Rangers boss Gerrard recently admitted he loved Celtic fan McGinn, but the Scottish international couldn’t repay the compliment word for word for fear of a ribbing from his team-mates.
“I don’t think the boys would let me say those exact same words! He’s been really good,” he said.
“I met him a couple of times before he was appointed, up the road. I wasn’t wishing him or his staff well while he was up there, and we’ve had banter back and forth since.
“He’s a very honest manager, very fair, and what we do have in common
is playing in midfield, and we both want to win. It’s an easy relationship from there.
“I’m trying to learn from him and Gary McAllister, two top midfielders, and as a midfielder I’ve still got a lot to learn.
“I grew up watching Steven Gerrard, Gary McAllister, John Terry on Premier League Years and now you’re getting the chance to work with them one-on-one. I’m fortunate to be able to learn off them.
“I think I could get away with calling JT by his nickname – I’m not sure I could with the gaffer!”