Aston Villa: Dean Smith already proving to be a critical thinker

New Aston Villa manager Dean Smith isn’t satisfied with his side’s play through two games. As evidenced by his post-match comments, he’s willing to think outside the box.

One thing I noticed about Dean Smith’s post-match comments after the win against Swansea City, was his desire for improvement.

You got the sense that, especially in lean periods results wise, Steve Bruce would take any win, irrespective of the type of performance put in. This is a mindset shared by many, but Smith certainly appreciates the need for fans to be entertained. Results are fine, and ultimately all that matter in the table, but they are not stable without consistently good performances.

In an emotionally-charged day, where the memory of former Villa chairman Doug Ellis was celebrated, along with the added backdrop of it being the occasion of Smith’s maiden Villa game as manager, a full Villa Park witnessed a win and a clean sheet.

That didn’t stop Smith urging more from his players as he admitted that the energy levels dropped in the second period, allowing the visitors more of the ball. He told AVTV: “We’ll also work on possession in the coming weeks because we were a little bit loose on the ball.” He also praised the players, labeling them ‘coachable’.

It’s clear that Smith is a deep thinker judging by these comments, that he doesn’t just preside over a game and forget about it. Despite an ugly loss on Tuesday in Norwich, Smith’s comments echo that desire for tinkering and improvement. The below clip is an honest and correct take in the 2-1 defeat to the Canaries.

He’s constantly looking to improve himself and the team. It’s hopefully a mindset which can be transferred onto the players. A lack of fitness has been leveled at Villa teams by previous incoming managers and the same situation has reared its head again. You get the feeling that this time a real plan will be implemented to correct this problem.

It’s an exciting time to be a Villa fan at the moment. The whole fanbase are united in their support of the new manager and if the players can continue to take his ideas on board, the nightmare start to the season could be consigned to history.