Danny Ings says he hopes new head coach Unai Emery was tuned in for his well-taken double against Brentford last weekend. Aston Villa announced Emery as their new manager just two days after their 4-0 win following last week’s sacking of Steven Gerrard. Asked about the mood amongst the squad given Emery’s arrival,
Danny Ings said: “Of course we’re looking forward to it but it’s sad when managers do leave. I’ve said this before but you do feel like you’re responsible. When [Emery] was announced the lads were excited and ready to work under him and see how far it takes us as a group. Hopefully he was watching the game at the weekend, I’m sure he was and, for us, we need to make sure we keep bringing that energy and, with his guidance, hopefully we’ll be where we need to be.”
Emery will start work at Bodymoor Heath next week (November 1) but, on Saturday, interim coach Aaron Danks will leave Villa into their fixture with Newcastle.
Danny Ings added: “Training has been positive (this week), obviously after a good result, naturally there’s always going to be a high around the training ground, everybody’s going to be in a good mood. It’s a massive challenge against a very strong opponent, who are in a good moment. So, for us, it’s all about the right preparation and mindset going into that game. I feel tactically they’ve come a long way under Eddie. I know Eddie, I know how good a coach he is and how good a manager he is, so it’s going to be extremely difficult. But it’s a game we’re going to go into with extreme confidence off the back of the last game, and I’m sure if we get our tactical elements right then we can really make it hard for them and hopefully get the win.”
