Konsa reflects on productive USA trip

Ezri Konsa feels Aston Villa are in a good place as they head back to The Midlands on the back of three unbeaten matches in the USA.

Eintracht Frankfurt, St. Louis City SC and Nashville SC provided tough opposition as the squad ramped up their pre-season preparations Stateside.

The trip gave Villa a chance to bond on and off the pitch.

“It’s been really good,” Konsa said.

“Trips like this bring the boys together. We’ve all had an enjoyable time spending time with each other.

“We’re heading back home now to be with our families and rest up for a few days and then we’re back to it.”

The final outing in the USA came against Nashville, with goals from Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen in a 2-2 draw in Tennessee.

A total of 23 Villans were used in the game, including more minutes for a number of Academy players.

Konsa said: “There were a lot of changes and a lot of young players here with us.

“It’s good for them to come with us and learn a few things from senior pros like myself.  

“It’s been an enjoyable trip and we’ll go back now and focus on the games we’ve got next week.”

A game against Serie A side AS Roma comes quick on the heels of Villa’s return to the UK in Walsall on Wednesday, while they also play their final matches of pre-season against Olympique Marseille and Villarreal on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

It’s a busy schedule that will complete preparations for the opening game of the Premier League season against Newcastle.

“It’s going to be tough,” Konsa said.

“We’re playing against top opposition, so we have to go into these games and treat it like it’s a Premier League game.

“These games are for us to try new things – whatever the boss wants us to do.

“It’s all going to lead into the game against Newcastle.”