Dean Smith held his pre-match press conference on Friday morning to preview Aston Villa’s Premier League trip to Manchester United.
The Villa head coach spoke to media from Bodymoor Heath via a virtual press conference and discussed a host of topics in the build-up to the game.
Here’s what he had to say…
On the team's form...
“The Chelsea Premier League game was the catalyst – we went toe-to-toe with them and created big chances. A mistake killed the game for us in that one.
“We took that positivity into the game against Everton and it was a bit of a chess game for 60 minutes, but once we got our first goal it was all guns blazing and a comfortable win in the end.
“We feel like there’s a lot of confidence and belief in the group and we feel like we’ve got a talented group, so there’s no reason why there shouldn’t be.”
On Villa’s youngsters…
“You only have to look at the subs I put on against Chelsea – it was Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Carney Chukwuemeka. Cameron Archer started the game.
“That’s three young lads who’ve come through the Academy, but they’re players who are capable of playing at Premier League level. They showed that the other night.
“Jaden and Carney have had a taste of Premier League action at the end of last season. Cameron’s yet to taste it, but he’s certainly made us aware of the attributes he’s got.
“It’s a great case study for our Academy boys to say when you’ve got an opportunity to train in front of the first team coaches then go and do what he’s done because he’s had the opportunity now.”
On Axel Tuanzebe…
“He’s a fantastic player, that’s why we wanted him. On top of that, he’s got an unbelievable attitude and application to the game.
“His character within the dressing room – for me, there’s a future captain in there for whichever club he’s at. He’ll go back to Manchester United at the end of the season.
“He’s a wonderful character and his game is getting better and better. He’ll be a big loss (Tuanzebe is ineligible to face his parent club), but we have to decide whether to go to a back four or stick with a five.
“He’s done exceptionally well since he’s come into the team.”
On Manchester United…
“I’ve seen David de Gea’s interview this morning and they’ve got title aspirations. A club like Manchester United should have.
“They’ve just brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho this summer to add to a glittering squad already.
“It’s a massive club with a massive history, and they’re going to be pushing to challenge the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.
“Our job is to go there and go toe-to-toe with them like we did at Chelsea.”
