Dean Smith gave his final pre-match press conference of the season at Bodymoor Heath on Friday morning.
The head coach gave his thoughts on a number of topics as he spoke to members of the media virtually.
Here’s what he had to say…
On this season’s improvement…
“It pleases me, but it doesn’t surprise me. The performances have been there – there has been an inconsistency since our COVID break, we know that.
“To finish 11th, which is where we will finish now, is an improvement of six places and that’s with only bringing five players in.
“I’m very pleased, in general, with how the players have performed and improved. That will continue.”
On the shape of the squad…
“I look at our team and from Emi Martinez, Matt Cash, Matt Targett, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings – they’re all improving.
“In front of them, you’ve got John McGinn, Jack Grealish, Ollie Watkins, Bertrand Traore – it’s a squad that’s getting better and better.
“That’s the positive outlook for me. We’ve had an injury to Jack this season where we lost him for 13 games, and that’s been pivotal to where we’ve finished in the league.”
On the return of fans…
“The players know the expectation of the Villa fans and what they want to see. We’ve got a lot of players – Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins – whose families won’t have seen them play at Villa Park before.
“There will certainly be a motivation for all my players. Having the 10,000 fans back will make it, not a normal Villa Park, but one that will motivate myself and the players.”
On playing Chelsea…
“He’s (Thomas Tuchel) had a great start. They qualified for the FA Cup final, Champions League final and now they’re trying to qualify for the Champions League via the top four.
“He’s come in and done exactly what he’s been asked to do so far. Now it’s our job to put an end to their away record.
“We’ll be going hell for leather to try and do that.”
