Aston Villa writer Ashley Preece has revealed Steven Gerrard’s side have undergone a ‘mini pre-season’ ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Leeds United.
The two sides are set to go head-to-head for the first time this season after the meeting at Elland Road scheduled for December was postponed due to Covid issues in the Leeds camp.
It will also be the first time that Marcelo Bielsa goes up against Villa boss Gerrard in management, who has made an excellent impact in the West Midlands since his arrival.
Gerrard has helped galvanise a squad in torrid form prior to his appointment, guiding them to five wins in his opening 10 matches.
However, games have been coming thick and fast during his time at the club, with the winter break the first prolonged period of time he has been able to have on the training pitch with his players.
And while there has already been a clear improvement in his brief tenure so far, Preece, of our sister site Birmingham Live, thinks the break and two friendly matches will allow Villa to hit the ground running in the clash with Leeds.
He told the ‘ Blue, White and Yellow Podcast’ : “He booked in two friendlies, they played Brentford last week and Molde on Saturday so it is like a mini pre-season he’s having.
“He keeps saying that when he came in November, his first game was in a week so he didn’t have much time but the last two weeks have been really good for him and his coaching staff to get in amongst them.
“Playing some friendlies, getting some minutes in the legs, double sessions as well so taking a leaf out of Bielsa’s book. I don’t know if he’s doing murderball yet but I’m sure that’ll come into it.
“He does work them really hard and that’s clear to see in their running stats. Buendia’s doing 12km a game and really running himself into the ground. So yeah, Villa are taking a leaf out of Leeds’ book I think.”
When first arriving at Villa Park back in November, Preece admitted he was a little sceptical of Gerrard’s appointment given how the likes of Frank Lampard fared in the Premier League.
However, he believes that Gerrard has helped enhance all areas of the club – from the calibre of players they can now attract – to the superb improvement in individual players such as Jacob Ramsey.
He said: “Gerrard’s got the team by the scruff of the neck and has implemented his ideas quickly; they’ve all bought into it.
“Under Dean Smith, five defeats on the bounce, the writing was on the wall, the squad was on the floor and they needed a drastic change. Christian Purslow did that and got Gerrard out of Rangers.
“It was an appointment that, when you look at the likes of Lampard and Rooney, you’re thinking is he a bit of gimmick? Can he do it at Villa? It’s a different kettle of fish than up at Rangers but he’s been marvellous.
“The style of play, you can see it there now: a 4-2-3-1. He plays two 10s behind the number nine and some of the signings he’s brought in as well, like Coutinho, that wouldn’t have happened under Smith. Lucas Digne, reacting to that one quickly - very opportunistic signing that one. That pull he has, that was clear to see in the transfer window.
“He’s also bringing on the likes of Jacob Ramsey, 20-years-old, similar player to Gerrard in his day and he’s coming on leaps and bounds now. Total transformation from when they were back in November to where they are now. They’re looking up rather than down which is pleasing to see.”
