Aston Villa’s danger man Philippe Coutinho has been speaking about his surprise transfer to the Midlands club ahead of their trip to St James’ Park tomorrow.
The Brazilian arrived on loan from Barcelona in the January transfer window and has already scored two goals in three games, which will no doubt have Newcastle United ’s defenders feeling nervous, with new signing Matt Targett ineligible for Sunday's match and Kieran Trippier an injury doubt.
Coutinho’s first goal came in Villa’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, while he got the other and two assists in his side’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Wednesday. It was his performance in that match in particular which set alarm bells ringing for opposition defences.
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Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s match, Coutinho said: “I arrived at this great club, I was really happy to come here and now we’ve started playing I know my teammates better. We want to give more to our fans and of course we work hard for that.”
Coutinho was then asked about his relationship with Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who Coutinho played with at Liverpool and describes as “an idol”.
Coutinho said: “We spoke a lot before I came. He spoke about the club, the ambitions here, the fans, his ambitions. For sure it was what I wanted. I decided very quickly. I’m here now and I’m very happy at the moment.”
He added: “I want to give my best for my team, for him and I want to enjoy football here and give my best to help and the team.”
Asked about what is different about playing in the Premier League compared with La Liga, Coutinho said: “In Spain, it’s a different type of game. Here, it’s a bit more intensive.
“In Barcelona, normally you have to have more time on the ball, more control, and that’s the different things. But I want to live in the present, I’m here in a great club.”
The match kicks off tomorrow at 2pm.
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