Steven Gerrard has been handed a major show of support at Aston Villa as Philippe Coutinho says the "demanding" Scouser has the respect of the squad.
And the Brazilian insists it's the stuff of dreams to be reunited with the man he's respected ever since they were teammates at Liverpool.
Gerrard got off to a flying start at Villa Park after his move from Rangers but things have gone haywire since the turn of the year.
Despite a strong January that saw Coutinho arrive as one of four new signings, they've won just once in 2022 and are sinking like a stone in the Premier League table.
In recent weeks they've lost back-to-back games to relegation strugglers in Newcastle and Watford and they face Brighton on Saturday looking to get things back on track.
Gerrard has faced plenty of criticism from fans and pundits but Coutinho has nothing but praise for his former Anfield team-mate.
He insists he's happy to be working with him again and praised his man-management style that has kept the squad onside.
He told ESPN in Brazil : "I've always admired him a lot. For me, it was an honour to have played with him. Now having him as a coach, with the experience he passes on, the training sessions have been strong and demanding.
"He has big ambitions, I am happy to be here and I hope to respond to what he expects by helping our team to achieve our goals. It was an honour to be part of his career as a player, and now, as a coach, I feel even more honoured.
"I have always had this relationship of admiration and respect. I wish I had the opportunity to work with him again. He is a guy who is very open to all the players and has a lot of influence in the group.
"I think everybody likes to be treated well, to be in a place where they feel appreciated. Where they can be there for you, they want things to work out. I think you should feel the same way about your job.
"Whatever team I'm playing for, I'm always going to give my all, but if you're in a place where you feel appreciated, you can do your best."
