Villa switch has given Phil new lease of life
PHILIPPE Coutinho has revealed he is “very happy” at Villa following his loan switch from Barcelona.
The Brazilian playmaker, who arrived on a six-month loan during the January transfer window, has enjoyed a new lease of life after enduring a tough spell with the Spanish giants.
In his four years with Barca, the 29-year-old has made fewer than 100 appearances.
However, since being coached under his former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, Coutinho looks a transformed player.
He has started life at Villa well, with two goals and as many assists in six games.
“I am very happy,” he said. “It was my wish to return to play in England and play in the Premier League again. I’m glad I’m having this opportunity and I’m very happy.
“I work hard every day to play well and contribute with good results for the club I play for.
“And, of course, I really wanted to return to the Premier League, I am at a brilliant club that makes me very happy.
“All the players give their best so that we can achieve our goals as a team. I always work to make things work out. What I want most is to be physically well for the team I’m playing for.
“But sometimes that doesn’t happen and there’s no way to explain it.”
Coutinho described how he demanded ‘better’ from himself and his team-mates before Villa returned to winning ways at Brighton on Saturday.
Villa had been winless in their previous three league games prior to their 2-0 win on the south coast and, after losing at Newcastle, the defeat to Watford saw the players booed off by a section of the fanbase.
Coutinho is hoping the much-needed win against the Seagulls will ensure they gather momentum for the upcoming games, starting with Saturday’s visit of in-form Southampton.
“Unfortunately the last few results weren’t positive, it was not what we wanted,” he said.
“I think the defeats we suffered are little details we can rectify and do better in the upcoming games. We are all aware of that.
“The good thing about football is that every weekend there is a new opportunity to do better and is something that has been discussed a lot as a group.”
Villa have the option to sign Coutinho on a permanent deal for £33 million at the end of the season.