Dean Smith calls on Aston Villa to raise their game
Dean Smith admits Villa must raise their levels to stand any chance of stunning the Premier League’s top two.
Villa head to champions Manchester City this Saturday before hosting leaders Liverpool seven days later.
Smith claims he and his coaching staff are relishing the prospect of pitting their wits against Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp over consecutive weekends.
But he knows their performances will need to be better than against Brighton last Saturday when they laboured for long periods before Matt Targett’s goal earned a last-gasp 2-1 win.
He said: “We’re looking forward to it – these games are opportunities, they are tough games and we’ll have to be a lot better than we were on Saturday without the ball.
“I’m looking forward to it, there is something for us to work on as coaches. It is very important and the players know that as well. Brighton got between our lines too easily and we’ll certainly prepare well for what will be a very tough encounter.”
Smith will be hoping for another big performance from Jack Grealish when Villa visit the Etihad.
The skipper scored for the second Premier League game in succession against the Seagulls before then setting up Targett’s dramatic late winner.
“Jack said to me that I haven’t seen the best of him yet,” he said. “He’s still growing as a player and he will continue to do so.”
