Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard explains controversial Philippe Coutinho decision

© Mike Egerton/PA Wire Aston Villa winger Philippe Coutinho before his side’s game against Liverpool

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard claims he ‘rested’ Philippe Coutinho at the weekend so he could start against Liverpool this evening.

Gerrard opted to swap Emi Buendia out of his starting XI to face the Reds, despite the Argentine impressing in the 3-1 win over Burnley last time out. Buendia scored and assisted in the win at Turf Moor after he replaced Coutinho in the starting side.

Before then, Buendia had started just one of the previous nine games, and despite chipping in with three goal contributions in his last two games against Norwich and Burnley, he was named amongst the subs once again for Liverpool’s visit to Villa Park.

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Explaining his decision, Gerrard said: “He [Coutinho] was rested against Burnley with an idea to be fresh to go into tonight’s game.” Coutinho hasn’t scored or assisted since the 3-0 win over Leeds United back in March, but Gerrard is banking on the Brazilian rediscovering his form before the season is out.

Villa have an option to buy Coutinho this summer and the latest reports from Barcelona claim that the Catalan giants will accept a €20million fee for his permanent transfer. Villa boss Gerrard has already confirmed that he wants Coutinho to stay at the club past this summer.

He said last week: “Not at all. We want Phil to stay with us for sure.” Coutinho has so far made 16 appearances in claret and blue, scoring four goals and registering three assists.

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