Dean Smith spoke to the media via a virtual press conference to preview Aston Villa’s clash against midlands neighbours West Bromwich Albion.
The club’s head coach discussed coming up against Sam Allardyce, facing the Baggies in Sunday's local derby, returning to The Hawthorns for the first time since the club’s Play-Off triumph, Villa’s goalscoring opportunities and more.
Here’s what he had to say…
On Albion’s managerial change this week…
“It’s certainly had our analysis team scampering around.
“First and foremost, I’m disappointed for Slaven Bilić, who did a fantastic job getting West Bromwich Albion promoted, it’s unfortunate for him but, somebody goes out, somebody comes in, and it’s Big Sam.
“And if you’ve managed over 500 games in the Premier League, you’re doing something very well.
“Fortunately for us, we’ve got a man in my backroom who’s worked alongside him (Craig Shakespeare) so he’ll certainly have an insight into what Sam will try and do very early at West Brom.”
On facing West Brom…
“I think derbies have changed with the lack of fans, if I’m honest, I don’t think there’s that intensity and the adrenaline you can get from the supporters.
“But all my players know it will be a local derby, we haven’t been there since we won in the Play-Off Semi-Final and we’re looking forward to going there.
“They’ve struggled a little bit this season with results but they’ve got some very good players there and we know Sam going in there will give them a boost.
“But I’m not too disappointed with our own performance going into the game, to be honest.”
On coming up against Allardyce…
“I’m not sure I have come up against him (previously), in all honesty. I’m trying to think if I have or not…
“But I’ve met Sam many times on LMA courses, we’re on the executive board together, and I’ve tapped into his knowledge a number of times when I’ve been there.
“His knowledge of the game is incredible. he’s not just a person who can keep teams up, if you’ve got that many games in the Premier League, you’re a person who does something very well.
“He’s got great football knowledge and he will use all his experience he can at West Bromwich Albion.”
On converting goalscoring chances…
“I don’t think we’ve had a game where we’ve created 27 attempts on goal before.
“But certainly in our game against Burnley, our chances, we should have converted a few more.
“Is it a massive concern? No, because I know I’ve got the players capable of doing that.
“You look at the likes of Jack Grealish, Ollie Watkins, I think they’ve proven already that they can score goals.
“And against Burnley a lot of chances fell to Bertrand Traore and Anwar El Ghazi, and we certainly know they’ve got the technique to score as well.”
You can watch Dean’s full video below…
