Steven Gerrard Manager
Steven Gerrard insists it’s imperative Aston Villa finish this season with a real flourish in order to attract some top names in the summer transfer window. The head coach wants to build on a successful winter window and has already told Villa’s transfer committee that they must do all they can to sign Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal from Barcelona.
Steven Gerrard said: “There’s still 10 games to go. I’ve said over numerous press conferences now that it’s about putting us in the best position before that opportunity comes to help the group (sign players) in the summer. Of course, the last window was important for us to get the right players in. I thought we did that, we had a really positive window with the additions of Lucas, Philippe, Robin and Calum who’s versatile. When the opportunity came for Lucas, the club were on the front foot and were aggressive. We’re really pleased with that one and the Phil one, I think, there were a lot of eyebrows raised but we got it moving in a big way. So we hope we finish the season really strong. Once we get to the summer, there’s two very important things that need to happen. That is for us to have an extremely positive pre-season where we can go to work on our identity and how we want to look because we haven’t had that luxury since we’ve been here, in terms of really nailing down how we want to play. Equally as important is if the right players become available for us to, again, move forward as a group, players who are going to help the current players to make us a better version of ourselves and collectively. I believe the owners, Christian and Johan and myself, will try and make that happen.”
Top of Villa’s wish-list this summer will be a new defensive midfielder. The club have been linked with AC Milan star Franck Kessie, while they remain keen on Leeds United and England ace Kalvin Phillips. Gerrard spoke openly of the real need to add more of a physical presence within his squad following last week’s defeat to West Ham United.
