Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: sonlyme on June 25, 2013, 10:51:23 AM
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A nice interview from the official site reveals a glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors at BMH. It gives lie to the idea that Lambert is uncommunicative or sullen or that he doesn't talk to the players. He may not if he sees no future for you at the club - but if he does see you as part of the future he is plainly very open and supportive.
Westwood had a good first season - and while the learning curve was a steep one - Westwood showed he had the talent to make a career for himself at the highest level. With that hard first season under his belt I hope he can kick on and add a little strength to his game - controlling the midfield like a certain Sir Dennis Mortimer once did.
Here is the relevant part of the interview.
Westwood was thrown into the cut-and-thrust of the top-flight and excelled and now can count himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.
He said: "From day one, the gaffer has just been unbelievable with me. I really can't thank him enough.
"He's made me feel totally at home and he's given me a chance in the Barclays Premier League.
"He has shown real faith in me and I will never forget that. That will stay with me for the rest of my career, having someone who believes in you that much.
"He said to me from the start 'if you're good enough, I will throw you in.' I took that on the moment I heard it.
"He's the same with all the players. He will give them a chance if he thinks they're ready for the task ahead.
"Training has been great with him and we've all been pushing to be involved throughout the past season.
"But from a personal perspective, he has been brilliant with me.
"The gaffer is the perfect role-model for me too. He's played in midfield and played the same game as me.
"He always has a quiet chat with me, advising me and telling me what he wants me to do. He's been a great help. He will pull me to one side from time to time and just show me one or two things.
"He won the Champions League so if he says something, you listen. You'd be daft not to.
"He's very positive in and around the place. He's always keeping spirits high and telling us to concentrate on each game as it comes along.
"Even after defeats he kept the place buzzing and the atmosphere at Bodymoor was first-class throughout the season. He's very respected in the dressing room."
Let's hope Lambert keeps this up with his other new young players and we can build something special at Villa - god knows - we've waited long enough.
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Isnt it refreshing to hear young talented players talk about a young talented Manager like that.
Rather than those snakey, trecherous cnuts like Collins and Dunne causing shit and fighting with coaches
I am already looking forward to the coming season
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Nice
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I got the impression that as tough as some parts of last season was that the players solidly remained behind Lambert and the coaches. We all laughed at the "we go again" statement but in the end it's what formed the bond with the players. That he reinforced his belief in the process and kept his belief in the players however bad it got. he's now brought in new players that want to prove themselves and be a part of this. We are the most settled we have been in a good number of years. Even during the MON years there was a constant undercurrent of unrest from players that didn't play often. Once the Benteke situation is resolved we can really "go again" to hopefully a good solid season.
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Good to hear and also Westy seems to have great character as well.
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I never really understood the annoyance at the "we go again" thing. He had to say something every week, and it was hard in that period when that was really the only thing he could say in the circumstances.
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I never really understood the annoyance at the "we go again" thing. He had to say something every week, and it was hard in that period when that was really the only thing he could say in the circumstances.
This. What was he meant to say after a beating? "Well that was shit, I think we may as well give up"
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I never really understood the annoyance at the "we go again" thing. He had to say something every week, and it was hard in that period when that was really the only thing he could say in the circumstances.
This. What was he meant to say after a beating? "Well that was shit, I think we may as well give up"
I think he certainly realised the precarious nature of confidence when a team of such young kids gets so many beatings week in, week out.
He got that spot on and managed their confidence very well.
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Anything that's repeated a few times becomes subject to ridicule, especially if we're losing and/or the manager is unpopular.
"Nice bunch of lads."
"Terrific."
"We go again."
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This sort of team-ethic is something that money can't buy.
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Just to clarify regarding "we go again" it was more the statement itself that became somewhat tedious to listen than the meaning behind it. For me, it symbolised what he believed in and what he was telling the players. That keep going, this will get better and you will improve. I take great heart from the second half of the season, even games like Liverpool or Chelsea where we threw away leads, that next season we will find ways to at least get something out of games like that.
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I never really understood the annoyance at the "we go again" thing. He had to say something every week, and it was hard in that period when that was really the only thing he could say in the circumstances.
This. What was he meant to say after a beating? "Well that was shit, I think we may as well give up"
Whereas I normally say,' that was lovely,how much do I owe you?'
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Anything that's repeated a few times becomes subject to ridicule, especially if we're losing and/or the manager is unpopular.
"Nice bunch of lads."
"Terrific."
"We go again."
You missed out 'I like Liverpool' and 'I'm not a defensive manager'
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I loved the 'we go again' anthem
But my favourite was the 'why don't you think you will be relegated'
Lambert- 'I just do'
Classic
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I loved the 'we go again' anthem
But my favourite was the 'why don't you think you will be relegated'
Lambert- 'I just do'
Classic
Yeah, what he really should have done when asked that question was kick Matt Kendrick into a massive hole, while shouting "This is Villa!".
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Anything that's repeated a few times becomes subject to ridicule, especially if we're losing and/or the manager is unpopular.
"Nice bunch of lads."
"Terrific."
"We go again."
You missed out 'I like Liverpool' and 'I'm not a defensive manager'
You mean "honest bunch of lads" don't you? ;)
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I never really understood the annoyance at the "we go again" thing. He had to say something every week, and it was hard in that period when that was really the only thing he could say in the circumstances.
This. What was he meant to say after a beating? "Well that was shit, I think we may as well give up"
I think he certainly realised the precarious nature of confidence when a team of such young kids gets so many beatings week in, week out.
He got that spot on and managed their confidence very well.
I said this in the 'Season turning point' thread, and I still think it's true.
Lowton at Stoke. However, and i'm probably alone in this, i'd also go for the 15-0 week. We stuck with the same players, we stuck to doing the same things and that can only have helped the players later in the season. To go through a week like that and still be believed in by the manager must mean a lot.
And also us, we've been fantastic this season at matches. I'd like to think that's helped them as well.
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Reminds me of the legendary Sir Ron comment - along the lines of "Dya want to bet against us?"
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Good to hear and also Westy seems to have great character as well.
Indeed , good news sporting week so far after westie comments and eastie watching northie score for the lions :)
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Good to hear and also Westy seems to have great character as well.
Indeed , good news sporting week so far after westie comments and eastie watching northie score for the lions :)
Tim Southee got on the honours board at Lords as well .... not sure how that fits mind ...
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Good to hear and also Westy seems to have great character as well.
Indeed , good news sporting week so far after westie comments and eastie watching northie score for the lions :)
Tim Southee got on the honours board at Lords as well .... not sure how that fits mind ...
Clean sweep sir !
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I never really understood the annoyance at the "we go again" thing. He had to say something every week, and it was hard in that period when that was really the only thing he could say in the circumstances.
This. What was he meant to say after a beating? "Well that was shit, I think we may as well give up"
I think he certainly realised the precarious nature of confidence when a team of such young kids gets so many beatings week in, week out.
He got that spot on and managed their confidence very well.
I said this in the 'Season turning point' thread, and I still think it's true.
Lowton at Stoke. However, and i'm probably alone in this, i'd also go for the 15-0 week. We stuck with the same players, we stuck to doing the same things and that can only have helped the players later in the season. To go through a week like that and still be believed in by the manager must mean a lot.
And also us, we've been fantastic this season at matches. I'd like to think that's helped them as well.
Yes, I remember that quote.
I think I was the only one that agreed with you, too. :)
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You were indeed Nigel, have I ever said you're ace?
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All good stuff. Although it's a bit depressing if Westwood really does call it 'the Barclay's Premier League'.
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The youth starting to change are you starting to change the youth together together together
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You were indeed Nigel, have I ever said you're ace?
awww, shucks, PWS, I'm all embarrassed now :)
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The youth starting to change are you starting to change the youth together together together
Was only listening to that album yesterday
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The youth starting to change are you starting to change the youth together together together
Was only listening to that album yesterday
That tune kept on going through my mind whenever I looked at the thread "Our youth players.."
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I think he certainly realised the precarious nature of confidence when a team of such young kids gets so many beatings week in, week out.
He got that spot on and managed their confidence very well.
Agree with that, Paulie. From Day 1 he told the likes of Warnock and Hutton they were not wanted and got them training apart, he was protecting the lads from any potential bad influences and giving himself a chance to build up their confidence and getting them focused on what he was trying to achieve. At times it was Lambert that let the team down with his tactics. Think Bradford at home. Like the lads, Lambert still has a lot to learn but I'm overall very happy that he's doing it here. It sets a benchmark for what is expected in the future and the fans won't accept a return to MON's or TSM's type of football.
Mourinho has been for a long time somebody that tries to instill a "collective" mentality with his teams. You heard the stories from the players whilst he was at Chelsea, he'd done the same thing before at Porto and it's something Lambert has achieved with our squad. Not only are they a close knit group off the pitch, they also work endlessly for each other on it. It's no surprise that Ireland, Bannan and Holman lost favour with Lambert when they're not giving the full Ron Saunders. 90% just doesn't measure up, he expects everything and to their credit, the majority of the squad delivered.
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Was reading an interesting article in the Guardian archive about Paul Lambert - if you want to read it in full it is here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2013/may/22/paul-lambert-motherwell-dortmund (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2013/may/22/paul-lambert-motherwell-dortmund)
But I found this bit really interesting. His deal at Motherwell had expired - though the club wanted him to renew he wanted to try something new - so he took his career in his hands and accepted a trial in Germany. Not a contract mind you, a trial. A trial offered by Ottmar Hitzfeld who was impressed by Lambert when the two teams had faced each other in the season before.
Lambert says...
"I walked into the dressing room at the training ground and I've seen all the players. Dortmund had given all their German players who won Euro 96 time off but they were back ... Jürgen Kohler, Steffen Freund, Andreas Möller, Stefan Reuter, Matthias Sammer.
"I remember thinking: 'No. You're never going to do it.' There was unbelievable self-doubt, that I couldn't handle that company because when I saw the players ... He'd won Serie A, someone had won the World Cup, someone had won the European Championship, the Bundesliga titles ... and I'm coming from Motherwell on a free transfer. I was worth a bottle of Coke. Jesus!"
Lambert would end the season as Dortmund's man of the match in their Champions League final triumph over Juventus, having shackled a bloke called Zinedine Zidane in midfield and set up the opening goal of the 3-1 win for Karl-Heinz Riedle. The Glaswegian had been outstanding in both legs of the semi-final victory over Manchester United and he became the first British player to win the European Cup with a non-British club.
Not only did Lambert overcome his doubts - he became a Dortmund legend - still highly spoken of by his team mates and colleagues.
But words are one thing actions are another - and they do say that a picture paints a thousand words - so I offer you this.
(http://www.soccerbible.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Blogs.Components.WeblogFiles/general.2013.May/Lambert_2D00_Interview_2D00_Img4.jpg)
The article that goes with it is here - http://www.soccerbible.com/news/general/archive/2013/05/24/soccerbible-talks-to-paul-lambert.aspx (http://www.soccerbible.com/news/general/archive/2013/05/24/soccerbible-talks-to-paul-lambert.aspx)
A team photo you might say - pretty standard.
But look again. Look who is front and centre. Look at how the players relate to each other. How they are standing. Lambert is being embraced by his super-star team mates not only on the left - but also on the right. This image tells me just how much that team valued and respected him because he is the central focal point. You can't fake this body language.
And given his honesty about his own doubts and fears - about the hard work he had to put in to measure up - and the fact that he grew into this team and became the integral hub of it tells me we have the right man in charge of our club. He knows what it takes to succeed - hard work, enthusiasm, and belief
Paul Lambert. Respect.
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Thanks for that article, it does feel you with a certain pride for him.
During last seasons massive blip, I couldn't believe it was happening and I thought at times he looked lost out there on the touch line. I remember being really gutted for him, not just for me as a Villa fan as I really wanted him to succeed.
He proved me wrong, he turned it around. Ok he is not a success yet but he dealt with the whole situation so well, he stuck by his team, he never criticised them in public and looks like he is very respected by the squad.
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This is another good quote and also describes the types of characters Lambert seems to sign.
"People talk about the German focus and mentality and ask: 'How do they do it?' I understand how they do it. They are just so focused on what they are and they don't really bother too much about outside influences. They focus on what they have to do and they have great self-belief. That was where my career changed."
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there is definitely a steely determination about Lambert. That he is a certain way, unwavering and that he is getting people around him that are as dedicated and committed. That in the face of doubt and adversity they keep plugging away in what they believe in because it will come good. Whenever you join a club you have to rid those around who cannot believe, refuse to believe and will not believe. He is nearly done with that, and he has brought in players who are focused and determined. It will hold us in really stead for the future.
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Lambert's attitude seems to be infectious.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8797034/ (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8797034/)
Bacuna says:
"The manager is trying to create a new generation, to build something here and improve us all as players. He wants the guys to go out there and show what they can do. I'm up for the challenge.
"For every player who's coming in, it's good to find themselves in a team and an environment such as this. My mentality is that you start at the bottom and you prove yourself. This is what I intend to do."
The last sentence struck me. No ego, no prevarication, just honesty.
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And Jores Okore seems to share his team mate's attitude.
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/06/28/new-aston-villa-signing-jores-okore-excited-by-prospect-of-playing-at-villa-park/90597/ (http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/06/28/new-aston-villa-signing-jores-okore-excited-by-prospect-of-playing-at-villa-park/90597/)
"We have a great coach who can develop us and make us really good players. I think he can bring some great things out in me.
"We want to be a good team. We want to get some exciting things going. We have good players all around. I want to be a big part of the team personally too.
"I want to help the team to a new era. That's what I want to do. I want to perform really well."
No mealy mouthing. Just positivity and commitment.
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How much of these interviews are the players own words and how much is it the media department peddling a consistent message whereby they'll draft something and the player will approve it as being okay to attribute to them?
They all seem to be very much on message yet strangely not that conversational in their content.
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An attributed quote is a direct quote from the players mouth. If you are suggesting that these young men are being coached in what to say I would find that hard to believe in regards to the content of what they say. Though of course - lessons in how to handle media are vital for young sports stars. Such lessons though teach technique - they don't usually create content - as that tends not to work.
Have you ever met Villa's press office? Cunning plans and conspiracies are probably not their forte.
Are you saying that the players don't respect Paul Lambert? If so - support your case.
For me - I think Lambert is going after a type of player - and I think what they say and how they behave tells us who they are. And so far - I like what I hear.
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A number of attributed quotes in the press aren't made by the 'celebrity', but are okayed by them and their agent if it portrays them in a way they want to be portrayed. It's not a massive stretch of the imagination for it to be the same with footballers.
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Lambert is trying to move the club forwards, lets back him with it. I did doubt very much after Bradford, but want him to bring our great club forward
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I get it. If someone connected with our club says something like -"Liverpool will always have a special place in my heart" - we suspect them.
If however they say something like - "Villa are a great club and I am proud and honoured to be able to try and prove myself here " - then we suspect them.
All clear now.
Off to the scapegoat thread for me.
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On a brighter note.
This is Ferguson's take on Lambert and Villa - though said in the midst of last season's battle Ferguson's words still strike a chord with me.
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article298360.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Lambertand-Ferguson600-298360.jpg)
“Young people give you a future by creating a strong blend that can last for a few years,” he said.
“Young players will always remember the manager who gave them their first start.
“The team will improve because of that, I am sure of it.
“Paul had the courage to do it and even if they were to go down, Villa have a structure that should bring them right back up.
“But on the evidence of what we’ve seen recently they’ve every chance of staying up anyway.
"Villa showed against Stoke that they have a bit of life about them and they should have won their game against last week.
"A lot of teams in that situation may pick a team to get something out of the game. Paul Lambert picked a team to win. There is a distinction."
Wise words from the Yoda of Govan - unless of course he was coached to say this by Villa's PR wizard Brian Doogan.
There is a distinction.
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An attributed quote is a direct quote from the players mouth. If you are suggesting that these young men are being coached in what to say I would find that hard to believe in regards to the content of what they say. Though of course - lessons in how to handle media are vital for young sports stars. Such lessons though teach technique - they don't usually create content - as that tends not to work.
Have you ever met Villa's press office? Cunning plans and conspiracies are probably not their forte.
Are you saying that the players don't respect Paul Lambert? If so - support your case.
For me - I think Lambert is going after a type of player - and I think what they say and how they behave tells us who they are. And so far - I like what I hear.
I have no evidence, I just thought it was a bit strange that the quotes all seem a bit similar. I don't often visit the official site so of course there could be footage of the interviews which disproves my theory. You've also got to remember that Englsh is not these player's first language so it's quite conceivable that the "interpretation" was done off screen and then given to the journalists as part of their press release.
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I would imagine that as Bacuna is Dutch, his English is better than the vast majority of our current squad.
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I would imagine that as Bacuna is Dutch, his English is better than the vast majority of our current squad.
Probably the same for the danish crew too, but Luna?
Either way the comment was not intended as a criticism of the club, I was more curious whether the practice was happening.
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I would imagine that as Bacuna is Dutch, his English is better than the vast majority of our current squad.
Yes, Gabby for example.
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I get it. If someone connected with our club says something like -"Liverpool will always have a special place in my heart" - we suspect them.
If however they say something like - "Villa are a great club and I am proud and honoured to be able to try and prove myself here " - then we suspect them.
All clear now.
Off to the scapegoat thread for me.
It's possible to accept the point that quotes attributed to players often come from media departments or agents or other PR reps working with the player themselves, but also to believe in all the positivity, though.
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Plus, any PR or media department worth their salt will be able to ask leading questions - to get the answers they want.
I'll take the attitude of the new mob over the likes of Dunne an co anyday though. Reporter: Why did you leave Manchester City? Dunne: "Because they sold me." Then sitting in the press conference with a face like a smacked arse.
Targeting players who are at the stage of their careers that they view us as a step up is clearly the way we're going - and the approach has much merit. But they need to be the right players too. The vast majority of players in the lower leagues in the UK and somewhat weaker leagues abroad won't be of the required standard. The skill is in finding those that are.
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I get it. If someone connected with our club says something like -"Liverpool will always have a special place in my heart" - we suspect them.
If however they say something like - "Villa are a great club and I am proud and honoured to be able to try and prove myself here " - then we suspect them.
All clear now.
Off to the scapegoat thread for me.
It's possible to accept the point that quotes attributed to players often come from media departments or agents or other PR reps working with the player themselves, but also to believe in all the positivity, though.
Not on the Interwebs it isn't. What you are suggesting would be unbinary and would break the internet for sure.
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Apologies if it's common knowledge but why did Lambert leave Dortmund so soon? Family?
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Apologies if it's common knowledge but why did Lambert leave Dortmund so soon? Family?
This could be very unreliable but a Celtic fan told me Lambert's wife had terrible homesickness and couldn't settle in Germany.
He was very good for Dortmund, learned German and was a fans favourite (still is to this day) so it was almost certainly some off-the-pitch stuff.
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Apologies if it's common knowledge but why did Lambert leave Dortmund so soon? Family?
This could be very unreliable but a Celtic fan told me Lambert's wife had terrible homesickness and couldn't settle in Germany.
He was very good for Dortmund, learned German and was a fans favourite (still is to this day) so it was almost certainly some off-the-pitch stuff.
I'm pretty sure they're now separated, with Mrs Lambert and the children living in Scotland.
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Apologies if it's common knowledge but why did Lambert leave Dortmund so soon? Family?
This could be very unreliable but a Celtic fan told me Lambert's wife had terrible homesickness and couldn't settle in Germany.
He was very good for Dortmund, learned German and was a fans favourite (still is to this day) so it was almost certainly some off-the-pitch stuff.
I think I read that it was an illness to one of his kids that prompted the return home.
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It's not only current players www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/big-interview-aston-villa-legend-4803982
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It's not only current players www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/big-interview-aston-villa-legend-4803982
The level on my optimism meter has just risen further.
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I would imagine that as Bacuna is Dutch, his English is better than the vast majority of our current squad.
Yes, Gabby for example.
I think Gabby is a touch more eloquent these days. I admire his willingness to face the cameras when he must realise he isn't the best with words.
I respect his Villa-ness and would be very sorry if he ever left us.
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It's not only current players www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/big-interview-aston-villa-legend-4803982
This is a good read - thanks for posting.
Confirms some of the vibes we've felt.
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Apologies if it's common knowledge but why did Lambert leave Dortmund so soon? Family?
Lamberts autobiography is a very good read - i got a copy on ebay for a few quid - would recommend it .
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A good start to the coming season and we could well surprise a lot of people.
I get a vibe about the place that I haven't felt for many years....he could go on to be a Ron Saunders or even given momentum that can be unstoppable our own very SAF....I know I know.....but as I said I haven't felt like this since the new RL regime took over.
Cannot wait for the season to begin......C'mon you Lions
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The only variable remains Benteke. Other than that there is a reassuring calmness about the club right now which is very comforting. While other clubs are trying to add pieces during pre-season we have a numbe of ours in place already.
Does anyone know if Bent, Ireland or Hutton were at training yesterday or are there today? I know the international players have been given some extra time off.
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You certainly get the sense, from watching Lambert on AVTV, that Villa mean business this year. There's just that vibe in the air that they are all chomping at the bit to crack on with the new season.
There's a lot of lads in there who have spent the past two or three seasons getting battle-hardened to the Premier League in the toughest of circumstances and they will all be better players for the experience. I must say I'm looking forward to the 2013-14 big time.
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It's not only current players www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/big-interview-aston-villa-legend-4803982
A good example this Peter Withe article. To misquote Henry Fielding - there are only two ways of judging people - first is to go on what they say - the second is to go on what they do and how they behave - the wise tend toward the latter.
Peter Withe was struck not only by Lambert making the detour out to his peripheral table - but also by taking the time to sit and talk. It is respectful behaviour - not PR puff.
I think this is reflected in Lambert's statements about his new coaches - which can be found here http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3226060,00.html (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3226060,00.html) and at various other news outlets.
Lambert said: "I worked with Michael and Chris at Norwich and I know exactly what we are getting - two good guys who put the work in. I trust them to do it.
"The two of them will bounce off each other with the rest of the staff.
"They are two good guys who will be good at their jobs.
"I knew Scotty from Wycombe. Scott helped the young ones at Wycombe.
"He has a really good way about him and really good mannerisms as well.
"He is a good coach and he will enhance the first team."
Lambert likes his team not only to talk the talk - but also walk the walk. It is a mindset - a philosophy. No room for egos - only for a team ethic aimed at team success based on personal responsibility to live clean and work hard and focus on self improvement.
The owners of Spearmint Rhino must be weeping.
While I am quietly cheering.
The last time we had honest hard work as a core principle of our team and our club I don't think it worked out too bad. And we were seen as under dogs or dark horses then as well - when really we were Lions, rampant.
(http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag37/Son_Lyme/ArsenalvAstonVillaHighburyThefinalscorewasatwonilvictorytotheGunnersThescorelinedidnotstopthemanagerandtheAston-339157May198_zps8c872917.jpg)
Bring on the new season.
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I wonder if this template works whether it will catch on with other clubs in the prem
I know its hyperthetical at the moment, but just say we have a really decent season finishing top 8 and playing some attractive football at the same time, with good runs in the cups
other teams who are spending millions they cant afford might well say, 'we can do that' and the whole footballing ethos turned on its head about how to be successful without buying success
of course on the other hand if we do badly the shit storm will be the same as last season
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An insight into Lambert's way?
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-boss-paul-lambert-4876059 (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-boss-paul-lambert-4876059)
Lot's of talk about process, and journey, and steps. These are the words of modern successful sports psychology. You will occasionally catch snippets of them when stars in all fields get interviewed. They make for bad press. But they do reveal that Lambert is consciously creating a mindset at Villa.
I was taken by this line - “I’ve had a good chat with Randy and Paul about the philosophies we want to create here,” said Lambert
A way of being - of behaving - of performing - that's what Lambert is going to bring us.
Which makes it all the more heartening to hear that the behemoth that is Brad Guzan has extended his contract with us until 2016.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2357280/Brad-Guzan-signs-new-year-contract-Aston-Villa.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2357280/Brad-Guzan-signs-new-year-contract-Aston-Villa.html)
Guzan says of his new deal...
"'This is just the start now, the start of hard work. We have to build on last year and go forward and that is very much the collective mindset at the club,'
No white Lamborghinis. No celebrity WAG events. No 24 carat diamond ear studs. Welcome to Aston Villa FC.
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Do 24 carat diamond ear studs, white Lamborghinis or celebrity WAG events normally get mentioned in those type of interviews?
Both of those interviews are about par for what you'd expect from a player or manager at a club not expected to be in the hunt for honours, but for whom merely staying up is not success either.
Note the deliberate omission of any talk of European qualification (nevermind Champions League), or a cup win or run. There was a time when players joined (or re-signed) with that in mind.
But we're too big to go the Norwich, Wigwam or possibly even Stoke route of acclaiming 40 points/ 17th as acceptable, so what does that leave?
"We must work hard. We must build on last year." Safe, non committal stock phrases that just about any manager or a player at any club could utter, regardless of their finish last year.
Manchester United won the league last year, but I'm sure they want to build on that. Wigan finally bit the dust, but they could easily go the route of talking about their positive end to the campaign and building on that. Working hard should be a given, at all clubs.
None of this is intended to knock some of the positive work PL has done to date, even if the jury is still out for me as regards his long term suitability to the job. If I was going the route of analysing and over analysing his quotes to build a case for him being a radical free thinker though, I'd probably avoid PR blurb given to the Birmingham Mail and the clubs official website.
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If I was going the route of analysing and over analysing his quotes to build a case for him being a radical free thinker though, I'd probably avoid PR blurb given to the Birmingham Mail and the clubs official website.
And yet you take the time and trouble to analyse - and maybe even over analyse - this thread - how kind.
It is a comfort to know I could write anything on here and you would take the time and make the effort to tell me I'm wrong.
I think Lambert is under-taking a change of philosophy at Villa - and I think that it's a good thing - and I think that he is the right man to do it. Hence the thread.
Please feel free to start a thread sharing your own perspective - if I recall correctly you were in favour of sacking Lambert for his failings regarding tactics and transfers.
There is a place for honest angry thoughts - it's called VT - but you know that don't you KevG?
You're not fickle - you just don't like me - and I get it - but it won't stop me talking about what I see as true or interesting.
On a brighter note - saw these figures regarding our new signing Brad G and thought I would share them.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BIikdRZCEAEpbfi.jpg:large)
Respect Bradley.
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What I love about Brad is that he absolutely and genuinely loves being at Villa.
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You don't like people disagreeing with you much, do you? Or pointing out the weakness in your conclusions.
I could trawl the Birmingham Mail and the clubs official site and I'd bet there would still be upbeat interviews from players praising McLeish during his time at the club. It's the game. That's why I wouldn't place as much emphasis on it as you clearly do.
Out of interest, how did you get on at Villa Talk, last time you posted there?
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Out of interest? I was banned for disagreeing with all the negative unproductive whining during the Houllier year. Or should that be known as the year of five managers?
On topic - good stuff about Lambert doing his coaching badges in Germany in the BM.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-special-feature--5071940 (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-special-feature--5071940)
and here
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-interview-mat-kendrick-5071871 (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-interview-mat-kendrick-5071871)
Now this could of course all be set up - with words being put into people's mouths - but I choose to think that would be absurd. I choose to think this shows what sort of bloke we have got as our manager.
This is what German uber coach Erich Rutemöller says of Lambert;
“He was really a fantastic guy. As a player he was fantastic because everybody in Dortmund liked him and when he said goodbye thousands of people cheered him, I remember.
“He showed the same attitude he had as a player as a coach. He was very disciplined, always on time, very interested in learning.”
Herr Lambert had no airs and graces and contributed to the course by sharing his knowledge with the rest of the group. But Rutemöller reckons the former midfielder’s personality is just as crucial as his playing experience when it comes to absorbing techniques and explaining them to his players.
“He knows a lot about football for sure as a professional player, but that’s not the most important thing in being a good coach,” he said.
“A good coach has to know how to transfer his own knowledge to players. He has to know how to teach."
Respect - a two way process. It will be interesting to see how he handles the CB situation - because that has the potential to run into tricky ground.
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Thanks Sonlyme, I enjoyed reading those articles. They certainly reflect well on Lambert and provide plenty of hope for the future.
I think with Lambert's eagerness to learn and improve and Randy's willingness to invest we could have a pretty perfect partnership.
Like with Wenger at Arsenal, the whole club could grow as a result of Lamert's shrewedness. Thankfully I can also see Randy backing him so Lambert should not out-grow the club too quickly.
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Cheers Dante.
Lambert - Players - Respect.
I know this thread started out as a topic about how our players view our manager - and I think I started it because I believed that Lambert was up to something different at Villa - and the more I read and and hear about how Lambert is at Villa - the more I am convinced that he is putting in place a way of thinking, of behaving, of being, that is designed to bring success.
I appreciate some people may find this boring - so don't read it.
I appreciate some may disagree - fine - as long as you support your case with fact and example - it all adds value.
Then I saw this article about Jose Mourinho.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8778561/Jose-Mourinho-will-quickly-lay-down-the-law-at-Chelsea (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8778561/Jose-Mourinho-will-quickly-lay-down-the-law-at-Chelsea)
It doesn't matter if you love him or hate him - you have to respect him. A man who brought sport psychology into mainstream football. Mourinho failed as a footballer. He played 90 odd matches over a mediocre seven year career as a professional then decided to retire. But he loved the game - and went to college to study Sports Science. He worked as a PE teacher in schools for five years while still doing coaching courses. Mourinho worked coaching kids before getting his famous break - he applied to be the interpreter for a new foreign coach he admired - Bobby Robson - the rest we know.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/06/article-2289335-09B7779C000005DC-714_634x502.jpg)
Jose, revered and still missed by half of Milan
(http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/article6394829.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Jose+Mourinho+Real+Madrid+cup+win+celebrations)
This is what failure at Madrid looks like
Mourinho was interested in the complete person - not just the player. He preached and coached a mindset - a way of thinking - a way of behaving - as well as a way of playing. A new type of total football if you will.
And it struck me that the key elements of what he says in this interview are the same things that Lambert has hinted at. Though Lambert is very tight mouthed when facing the press. Much of what Lambert says sounds like cliché - or sounds really obvious - because it is. And Lambert like Mourinho is aware that everything they say is important. What they say determines the mindset. Yet, in person Lambert is a different beast - charismatic - passionate - humorous - and has a clear vision of what makes top athletes, top.
Given our recent issues with a star player and Lambert and the club's reaction - it is interesting to see what Jose says.
"There is something I say whenever I go to a new club and I am going to say it again when I meet the players on July 8 - and some of the boys will have heard it before from me,"
"It is a sentence I always say on the first day: 'If you are a top professional, if you are not a selfish person, if you put the club in front of yourself and if you are here to work 100 per cent for me, for your fellow players and for the club, then we will have a wonderful relationship.
"If you are selfish, if you think about yourself and you don't care about the club, don't care about the image, if you don't care about the fans then we are in big trouble"
I can see Lambert agreeing with this - which makes the Christian Benteke situation all the more interesting as it strikes at the very heart of what Lambert is trying to create.
Mourinho has a view on what happens when you get one or two players who are in it for themselves and who refuse to join in with the team ethos.
"Sometimes you have a couple of guys that are not too keen to accept these kind of rules and this is where you have some problematic relationships, and the club in that moment either supports the problematic player or the manager.
"If the club supports the manager the two little guys - gone, easy."
We may mourn the loss of our talisman striker - but Lambert can find more talent - talent with the right character for the club - talent not controlled by dubious agents - and if he does then Villa will actually be stronger for having gone through this crisis. Benteke may look like a big man - but he isn't - his behaviour has revealed him to be one of the little guys.
A club united in common belief - led by a manager fully supported by the board - nothing is more important than this.
"If the club supports the manager"? says Jose. At long last Villa will. All of Villa. Boardroom to terrace. Easy.
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But didn't Real Madrid fans hate Mourinho? They thought he was an arrogant, mouthy self publicist who lacked any class or moral compass? Probably why he feels so at home at Chelsea. And less photos of him on a Villa thread please.
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Players Respect McLeish:
Buoyant Ireland looking to continue upward curve against Arsenal
Stephen Ireland looks ahead to Arsenal clash.
By Brian Doogan
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2690549,00.html
Stephen Ireland is confident that his Villa career has taken a pivotal turn this season since facing Arsenal at Villa Park in the Barclays Premier League - and he is looking to continue this upswing tomorrow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsene Wenger's resurgent side.
The 25-year-old attacking midfield player was named Manchester City's player of the season in May 2009 before he arrived at Villa in the summer of 2010.
At the time he said he believed his years in the Midlands could be the best four years of his career.
Villa manager Alex McLeish has been so pleased with Ireland's contribution over recent games that he said to him: "The form you are in, you can play anywhere [on the pitch]." And the Irishman is convinced that the Arsenal game in December was a watershed.
"The fans sang my name for the first time in that game against Arsenal and I was taken aback by it," he said.
"I was coming off and they gave me this great reception. To be honest, it really opened my eyes and I thought, 'Yeah, I can kick on from here. I have something to build on now.I think I've got a really good relationship with the fans. They've backed me. They can see what I'm about and they can relate to that. I'm really grateful for their support. It's important for my game when they give me that kind of support. My objective now is to be the best I can be for these next 10 games we have between now and the end of the season, to help us climb the table and to keep entertaining the fans.
"Things are going brilliantly for me at the moment and that's a massive relief. I've been desperate to get going and get a consistent run for the last couple of seasons and now I've finally got it. I feel like I've earned it. I've been working really hard, training hard and putting the effort in. When I got my chances I've put 100% into my game, tried to express myself and work hard for the team. As much as I'm really pleased with that, I do think I've earned it. It makes it even more satisfying when you feel you've 'earned' your shirt. The more games I'm playing, the fitter I feel and I'm starting to really enjoy it now. It feels my season only really started 10 games ago or so and I'm really enthusiastic to get going and finish the season as strong as I can. There are 10 games left and I want 10 good 90 minutes in those games. My confidence is high and I'm feeling really good. I've played in a number of positions - on the right, on the left and in the hole - and I'm just happy to play, no matter what position I'm in. But the more I stick to one position the more I can develop there and build up confidence there.
"I feel like the best is yet to come. The more goals and passes I get, also the more games, then the more consistent I'll be. I've been in and out of the team or playing different positions over the last 15 games but I'm really getting there now. I feel I'm really earning my shirt now and I want to get a shirt now and make it my own, so no one else can come in and take it." Although the overall effort and performance levels have not always been reflected in results this season, Ireland is convinced that these, too, will swing in Villa's favour over the final quarter of the season.
"Everybody works hard here, the manager makes sure of that," he added.
"The manager is really good, he makes sure that the training is good and I look forward to coming into training every day.
"At the moment we're just getting robbed by late goals such as the goal we conceded at Blackburn a few weeks ago when we were unfortunate to draw the game at Ewood Park It's the little details of turning draws into wins and lifting the club and the fans again which we're trying to address and I'm sure we'll do that with all the effort we're putting into our preparation and also into the games. I'm very optimistic."
(http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2165/e2yj.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/835/e2yj.jpg/)
Stephen Ireland: Looking to return to his own planet
Hutton: I already feel right at home in claret and blue
Alan Hutton relishing future in claret and blue.
By Paul Brown
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2462058,00.html
Alan Hutton heads to QPR today saying he already feels right at home in claret and blue - thanks to the affable atmosphere at Villa.
Hutton is relishing his future courtesy of the convivial character of boss Alex McLeish and the warmth shown to him by his new team-mates.
He said: "The boys have welcomed me in and the manager has been great.
"The lads in the back four have got lots of experience at club level and national level and they've helped me along so much.
"They're always talking to me and helping me. They have made it really easy to settle in.
"The manager has been brilliant too. He's been there, done it and got the t-shirt if you like.
"He was a fantastic footballer himself, so just that guidance will help. He's a strong character too.
"When I worked with him before and I was struggling or having a dip in form he would always encourage me.
"I think as a team you want a man who you can always go to and I think Alex is like that.
"I can see his influence growing. He's been like that wherever he has been. I don't see why here would be any difference.
"We've got a great squad and it's just about learning what he wants us to do and progressing as a team."
Hutton is keen for the team to bounce back after the Carling Cup exit to Bolton although he believes that defeat shouldn't be blown out of proportion.
As a "half full rather than half empty" guy, he thinks Villa have made a solid start to the current campaign and wants a continuation of that with a win this afternoon.
He added: "It's never nice when you get beat and going out of the cup is not great either because we wanted to do well in it.
"Having a game so quickly can be good because you can get right back into it.
"Other than the Carling Cup though, we've not lost a game so it's not too bad so far.
"I'm a half full guy. I want to take the positives from each game.
"Yes we've missed some chances and we could have ended up getting three points in some games.
"But we have to look forward and take that into today and hopefully get a win."
(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9768/gbwz.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/gbwz.jpg/)
"Come back, Stevie!"
Collins loving life and eager to enjoy "best years" at Villa
James Collins on Villa future.
By Paul Brown
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2473684,00.html
James Collins is loving life at Villa and wants to enjoy the "best years" of his career in claret and blue.
Collins says he would happily extend his current deal because of his firm admiration for boss Alex McLeish and his affinity to the fans and the area.
He said: "I'd love to extend my contract here and stay at Villa as long as I can.
"As long as the manager is happy and the fans are then I'd like to stay here as long as possible.
"I've only just turned 28 so I think my best years are definitely still in front of me.
"I am not too bothered about how much I have left on my current deal. It's more about if I'm performing well and the club want to give me a new contract that would be great because I would love to stay as long as possible.
"I am enjoying my time here and enjoying playing under the current manager. Since I've been here everyone has been great.
"My family have settled in the area so if the opportunity was to come I'd love to sign another contract."
Collins may be enjoying donning the claret and blue but he's been in the wars for the cause over the past few weeks.
He revealed he broke his nose in the QPR game - and almost did the same with his foot late in the match.
But he praised the club's medical staff for patching him up in time to star against Wigan.
He added: "I have been in the wars a bit recently. Down at QPR I broke my nose during the game in the first half and then I thought I'd broken my foot late on in the game.
"Luckily it wasn't as serious as first thought. The foot was bad though and I couldn't train all last week so I thought I would be struggling for the game against Wigan.
"But I have to give credit to the doctor Ian McGuinness and the medical staff in that they got me able to play.
"Fortunately come Saturday morning I had a few painkillers and it was fine.
"As for the nose - it's big enough anyway so that didn't really matter!
"Sometimes it is a matter of managing yourself through because every game is tough in the Premier League.
"I've had injuries before and played games and it can be tough."
It's not only the players who feel this way:
Big Ron: McLeish on right track with unbeaten start
Former boss Ron Atkinson assesses Villa's start under Alex McLeish.
Exclusive by Dan Harrison
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2467672,00.html
Ron Atkinson has backed Alex McLeish's 'build from the back' approach and insists it is only a matter of time before Villa start to click as an attacking force.
Big Ron reckons McLeish was right to make restoring defensive solidity to the claret and blue ranks his top priority when he took charge in the summer.
While the flamboyant former Villa boss was a huge advocate of stylish attacking football throughout his illustrious management career, he still believes in the mantra that all great teams start with water-tight back line.
Villa have made an unbeaten start to the campaign under McLeish although five of their six games have been draws.
And Atkinson believes the former Rangers and Scotland chief has laid a strong foundation for a successful side.
"I always believe that the first column you look in to see how your season is going is the defeats," he said.
"Normally the most successful team is the team that loses the fewest.
"Villa have had more draws that any team in the Premier League.
"If they could just turn those draws in to wins all of a sudden your points really pile up.
"I think the year we finished second in 1992-93 we had a fair share of draws and when Deano came and paired up with Dalian we went off on a run.
"I love attacking, flowing football and although I didn't build defensive sides I tried to make sure we had good defenders who got paid to defend themselves.
"For a spell McGrath and Teale were as good as any centre-back pairing in the country then you had Ugo coming into the equation and Earl Barrett and Steve Staunton.
"Ryan Giggs always said Barrett was the best defender he ever played against."
Big Ron highlighted the return to form of Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock as the massive plus points of Villa's season so far.
But the 72-year-old says there is sufficient firepower in the squad to make Villa an attacking force - particularly when Darren Bent and Charles N'Zogbia hit top form.
"The two centre-backs had been a bit of a bedrock for Villa in the previous season or so and they've got good full-backs and a good goalkeeper," Atkinson added.
"That is a good base to start from. Alex has got the confidence of those players back and if you are going to be successful you have got to build from the back anyway.
"He looks as if he has got the defensive side of it sorted.
"What they have got to do now is take it on again maybe just become a little bit more of an attacking force.
"He's got good personnel there when you look at the likes of Bent and Agbonlahor.
"There's also N'Zogbia who is capable of being a fantasy player that maybe Villa have missed in the middle of the field."
There is no good reason to include this image at all:
(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/4672/z4w4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/543/z4w4.jpg/)
But then why go against the spirit of this thread.
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Ireland, little Larry Lambs (Alan Mutton dressed as one) and two eejits in x-ray spex. What a horrorshow!
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Fuckin' sheepshaggers.
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I'm sure there was a point to all that.
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(http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag37/Son_Lyme/ArsenalvAstonVillaHighburyThefinalscorewasatwonilvictorytotheGunnersThescorelinedidnotstopthemanagerandtheAston-339157May198_zps8c872917.jpg)
What a great photograph. The look of sense of achievement in Mortimer's face. Two honest men of football.
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I'm sure there was a point to all that.
A parodic point, I venture to suggest.
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Nice photo choices. I especially enjoyed the Stephen Ireland one. Thanks for making the effort.
I don't know why you are so angry about this thread but my point isn't that footballers make all the right noises when interviewed - because obviously they all do. My point is that Lambert wants to change the whole philosophy of our club - the type of people it wants there - and the type of attitude they have.
The respect part of the title is just one clue. I think what has happened with Benteke is exactly what Lambert does not want. It is the antithesis of what he wants. So if I see quotes about our manager that shed light on his personality and philosophy - I may well post them here - because I think he is changing our club.
I contend that Lambert is not like any manager we have had for 35 to 40 years. His philosophy of effort, improvement, and team work may look like it comes from the modern German system - but surely we know better - we had something similar round Aston way in the late 1970's.
That is what is intriguing me.
I think Lambert is making some radical changes to the way Aston Villa operate. We can see this not only in who he brings in - but also who is gets rid of. To confuse the change that is occurring at Villa with simple player PR is to fail to look beyond the words.
Alex Ferguson - Jose Mourinho - these men are winners - and I think we have something similar in Paul Lambert. A team ethic built on honesty - courage - putting your team first - hard work - improvement - and a never say die attitude.
Lambert may well simply say - 'We pick ourselves up and we go again' but behind those seemingly straightforward words lies a total philosophy - not just about how to play football the right way - but also about how to live your life the right way. For young men - in a world awash with money and temptation such stability must be a blessing.
Lambert's way is the respectful way - and I think Aston Villa will improve because of it.
And if I see articles of interest around this topic - I may well post them here - pictures and all.