Aston Villa have made a ‘massive statement’ in pulling off the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho, according to Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira. Asked about Coutinho at the pre-match press conference, the Palace boss was in agreement with the piece of business.
Patrick Vieira said: “It’s good. There are players in the team that I believe have the quality to take Villa to a different dimension. This is a massive statement for what they will want to achieve in the future.
The 45-year-old manager was also full of praise for opposite number Steven Gerrard since Vieira’s former midfield adversary arrived at Villa Park.
Patrick Vieira added: “Straightaway, I think he had an impact on how to organise the team and he had some really good results. But you know, Villa, I think is a big club in this country and I think it will be a big challenge. And hopefully, he’ll be successful. When you’re looking at players that we used to play against who have decided to go into management, you wish him all the best and hopefully, he’ll be successful.”
