Coutinho initially joined Aston Villa on loan, but his transfer was made permanent in May this year, with a fee that is speculated to be £17m.
The attacker however has had trouble impressing at Villa Park, not being involved in any goals since the season started, despite playing in every game.
Carragher cited the example of Coutinho to highlight how tough management can be, thinking that because the Brazilian has struggled at Villa Park, it has reflected badly on Gerrard, who is held responsible for his capture.
“What Gerrard is going through now is one of the reasons many top players are put off management”, Carragher wrote in his Daily Telegraph column.
“Yes, the rewards are exceptionally good but your reputation is always on the line, your qualities constantly analysed and re-analysed to the point where the characteristics once referenced to praise you become ammunition for critics.
“Take the example of Gerrard signing Philippe Coutinho.
“When the Brazilian joined Villa on loan it was presented as the kind of coup only a manager with Gerrard’s kudos could have inspired.
“Now, because Coutinho has not delivered beyond his initial, encouraging promise, his signing is seen negatively, and one which had Gerrard’s fingerprints over it, especially as he is being picked ahead of Emi Buendia.”
The former Liverpool defender insists that it is too soon to call signing Coutinho a misstep, but is clear the Brazilian must up his game.
“What looked at the time to be a no-brainer deal will be remembered as a waste of the club’s resources unless Coutinho starts producing.
“It is too soon to completely dismiss that signing as a mistake, but he certainly needs to start justifying his salary.”
Coutinho is claimed to be on one of the most lucrative contracts at Aston Villa, but he will be hoping there is a change in his form and for his team as well and they can get back to winning ways.
