Dean Smith sat down for a catch-up with VillaTV earlier this week to discuss a range of topics.
In the first part of the interview, the Aston Villa boss reflected on the postponement of Friday’s game against Newcastle United, bouncing back from defeat against West Ham and planning for a busy Christmas period.
Smith was sympathetic towards Newcastle’s predicament and says his side have to use the break in a positive way.
He said: “Because we haven’t got the game, we’ve got the opportunity on the training ground to do some work.
“We did our debrief with the players after the West Ham game and it was a positive one because we played ever so well. We were unlucky not to come away with three points – let alone a defeat.
“We’ve spoken about the small details that would have helped us with the goals we conceded. At the end of the day, they were disappointing goals to concede.”
The head coach has taken the opportunity to give his players a weekend off citing the need the need for his squad – particularly those who have been on international duty this season – to recharge their batteries.
He said: “They need the rest, the recovery, the sleep and time at home with their families. They need that because they’re starved of that when they’re with their international teams.
“It gives everybody an opportunity to reset, reflect on what’s gone on and move forward.
“We’re used to playing a number of games in a short period of time, with Project Restart and how this season has started. It becomes normal for you and we know how to get the best out of everybody during this [Christmas] period.”
