Coutinho breaks silence before villa decision as club told 'it's essential'

Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho says he isn't worried about what the short-term future holds for him as he awaits clarity on his loan spell back in Brazil with Vasco da Gama.

Coutinho rejoined his boyhood club last summer and continued playing for them through their regular season which ended in the winter. Now, though, they're back up and running again -

but the existing loan deal is believed to only run until the summer and will need to be extended. The Brazilian still has another year left on his contract at Villa from this summer, and

it's expected that an arrangement will try to be struck whereby Coutinho remains where he is on a permanent basis, finances permitting. He signed a four-year deal when agreeing to sign

for Steven Gerrard in 2022, following a brief loan spell when borrowed from Barcelona, but it's proved to be an expensive signing which has bore little fruit. Coutinho has scored five

goals and contributed three assists in 24 games in all competitions this season and isn't allowing his off-field situation to distract him from his commitments on it. “I’m not worried

at all about that [renewal]," Coutinho told Globo, via Sport Witness. "My concern is in these games that I’m here. I’m going to give my best, play well. Learn from the coach, learn

his ideas. Evolve together with the team. That’s my only concern.” Vasco have a new manager in Fernando Diniz, and it's safe to say that Coutinho, in the early weeks of the boss'

reign, has enjoyed working with him. "I don't like to make comparisons," he added. "Carille is a great coach who I had the honor of working with. Now, with Diniz...

It's an honor to work with him. He has a lot of really cool ideas that I've never seen before. I try to learn as much as possible in training, assimilate as much as possible and

put it into practice in the game. So, he demands a lot from us in training and in games. Just to get the best out of us." There is clearly a mutual respect. “I think it’s

essential," Diniz said of Coutinho. "For me, it’s a joy and an honor to work with a player of his calibre. From Neymar’s generation, he’s one of the most talented guys we’ve

produced in Brazil. His career could have been more brilliant for the player he is. I’m counting on him a lot. He needs to let loose. I believe he’s going to improve a lot. He’s always a

gift for Brazilian football.” ANY WAY BACK FOR COUTINHO AT VILLA? HAVE YOUR SAY HERE THE BRILLIANT ASTON VILLA MERCHANDISE THAT EVERY FAN WILL WANT TO OWN Aston Villa fans can celebrate the

end of the season and their love of all things claret and blue in style by getting their hands on some limited edition merchandise. We've taken a look at a few products in the Villa

store for those wishing to add a bit of class to their bedroom, homes or maybe a home bar? These products are available for a limited time and have that wow factor that would be the envy of

any supporter. The first product we spotted is the wonderful Aston Villa 'dream scene' painting. It depicts the greats of Villa past and present with the likes of Unai Emery

sharing a conversation with Ron Saunders, and Peter Withe sharing a joke with Gareth Barry. The brilliant dressing room scene is available on a 130 x 43cm canvas and comes with a souvenir

booklet. There were only 150 of these made to commemorate Villa's 150 year anniversary. YOU CAN BUY IT HERE If you want a cheaper alternative, you could try the 90 x 60cm lithos print

of the same scene, again with the booklet and a limited edition piece. YOU CAN BUY THAT HERE If you fancy a bit of fun and owning your very own Villa Park, you can with this construction

model replica of the stadium. Complete with club branding, this is fun to assemble and will be the perfect addition to your household or workplace. YOU CAN BUY IT HERE Maybe you'd like

to construct a replica of the Villa players and staff bus that they travel to away games in? You can now purchase that from the club shop, BY CLICKING HERE ASTON VILLA ADIDAS 150TH

ANNIVERSARY SHIRT 24-25 (£55) The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's

history in the details. Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the

site. Buy here. ASTON VILLA ADIDAS 150TH ANNIVERSARY TRACK TOP - CLARET (£70) This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the

jacket by saying: "Before football players take the pitch for warmups, they answer questions from the media wearing an adidas jacket like this one." Buy here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEAR

ANNIVERSARY HOODIE - NAVY (£45) Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in

style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages." This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes

XL and S for women limited stock left. Buy navy here and claret here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEARS IN PICTURES BOOK (£25) The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season.

The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo

book." Buy here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEARS BOOK VOLUME TWO (£40) The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and

2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume. Buy here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY POLO SHIRT - WHITE (£30) "Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for

matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages." This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher

price of £35. Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRT - CLARET AND NAVY (£25) "Suitable for wearing on matchdays and

beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion." Buy

mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEARS ANNIVERSARY SCARF - CLARET (£15) "Take the love for your team with you. The scarf tops off your

winter look, and is an essential item for supporters." Buy the scarf here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEARS BADGE & KEYRING SET - BOXED (£15) Display the love for your team. Perfect for your

hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages. Buy the set here. ASTON VILLA 150 YEARS MUG - 11OZ (£8) "Start your day off right with a drink from this. Whether it's tea,

coffee or hot chocolate this mug is perfect for fans to enjoy an exquisite beverage." Buy the mug here.