Philippe Coutinho’s feel-good island: why the Barcelona flop under Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa delivers again

A graceful ball transfer in a confined space with the sole, shot feint, hook and a finish that finds its way through the braces of Southampton keeper Fraser Foster into the net. Moments later, Philippe Coutinho is greeted by a burgundy and sky-blue jubilee grape. The decision has been made, 3-0 for Aston Villa against the Saints, who then had to swallow another goal.

Coutinho’s goal in the 52nd minute was already in the offing, and the Brazilian shone in the first half with remarkable dribbles and an excellent overview for his team-mates. While he himself had failed twice from a promising position, he had prepared Douglas Luiz’ goal to make it 2-0 in an impressive manner.

When Coutinho was substituted off just before the end amid applause from the Villa applause, the little magician was all smiles, a warm hug from coach Steven Gerrard capping the perfect day for the 29-year-old. A picture reminiscent of forgotten times. Happy Coutinho times, Coutinho’s Liverpool times.

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Since the midfielder left the Reds for Barcelona in January 2018 for €135m, Coutinho’s friendly features have all too often looked petrified. In fact, he didn’t have much to laugh about. With the Catalans he never really got through after a decent half-series, after a year and a half between the field and the bench he went on loan to Bayern Munich.

Coutinho’s Bayern testimonial: Satisfactory

The hope that Coutinho would become a difference player with the German record champions was soon curbed. Although the ball artist was regularly used under FCB coach Niko Kovac, the two did not seem to warm up to each other. Coutinho’s predecessor James Rodriguez, on loan from Real to Bayern between 2017 and 2019, had similar experiences.

After Hansi Flick took over from Kovac in November 2019, the situation improved, at the end of the season Coutinho was able to look forward to the treble, and he controlled within 15 minutes in the insane 8-2 quarter-final victory in the Champions League over his employer Barcelona two goals and an assist. Eleven goals and nine assists in 38 competitive games were ultimately recorded (although in the meantime he has missed eight Bundesliga games in a row through injury).

Philippe Coutinho with Bayern coach Hansi Flick

Fotocredit: Getty Images

Not a bad record, but the Munich team refrained from a permanent commitment. Coutinho’s purchase option is said to have been a whopping 120 million euros at the time.

His second attempt at Barcelona was initially characterized by a few starting XI appearances, however, in the winter of 2020, Coutinho tore his lateral meniscus, which put him out of action for almost half a year. The big question mark that hung over his form after his recovery gave rise to numerous rumors of transfers last summer, as well as the desolate financial situation of the Spanish noble club.

Coutinho, one of Barcelona’s top earners, should make room and with his departure help to relieve the coffers at least a little.

Steven Gerrard strives for his buddy

However, those responsible did not find a buyer for their most expensive purchase in the club’s history. When Barça had stumbled not only economically but also sportingly, Aston Villa entered the scene. Gerrard, a former Glasgow Rangers manager, has been in charge of the sidelines since mid-November and has made intensive efforts to recruit his former Liverpool team-mate.

Coutinho thanked him with a goal against Manchester United in the first game, two weeks later he gave a gala performance (one goal, two assists) in a 3-3 duel with Leeds United. “He really wanted to return to the Premier League and we gave him everything he needed to go out there and deliver,” Gerrard said after the Whites game.

Gerrard also said: “The good thing about Philippe is that he’s so humble, level-headed and down to earth. If you talk to him, you wouldn’t think you’re dealing with a world-class player. He’s just a great one Person.” The 41-year-old added: “He seems lively, his technical skills are at a high level. I don’t think I need to say more about Phil Coutinho, the player. You have to look at his class and admire how he’s going about it approaches.”

Reunited as coach and player: Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho

Fotocredit: Getty Images

According to Gerrard, it’s about Coutinho “enjoying football again, being with the lads, smiling and looking forward to the game.” Then the exceptional performer “gets the feeling that this is his stage again.” The 65-time international took over that stage completely for himself last Saturday against Southampton.

Gerrard: “He was in his Liverpool form”

“We got Phil fit, he’s in really good shape,” Gerrard gushed to the BBC afterwards. “He was back in his Liverpool form today, maybe even a little bit better. The teammates took his upswing with them.” To understand what form the 41-year-old spoke of with regard to Coutinho: During his time with the Reds (2013-2018), his absolute career high phase so far, the noble technician came in 201 competitive games 54 goals and 45 assists.

The fact that his performance is currently reminiscent of days gone by and could prompt Villa to invest 40 million euros (this is the purchase option) for a permanent commitment in the summer is closely linked to a simple Gerrard trick: trust. Neither at FC Barcelona nor at FC Bayern did the coaches fully convince him of his abilities. From their time together at Liverpool, Gerrard knows exactly what Coutinho’s strengths are and gives him the freedom he needs to develop.

An important point when dealing with footballers of the same format, who are normally able to decide entire games on their own, provided they have found an oasis of well-being for themselves. On the other hand, if the feel-good cotton gets cracks, such aesthetes tend to fall into diva-like, phlegmatic patterns.

Even if Coutinho were threatened with such a scenario, these days there’s a feeling that Gerrard would find the right words to prevent it. Coutinho’s laugh, graceful ball handling, feints, hooks and goals have brought back his confidence.

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