Dean Smith won’t sweat over Aston Villa pressure
Villa boss Dean Smith claims an ability to ‘block out the noise’ helps him deal with the pressure of managing in the Premier League.
Smith led the club back to the top flight last season but found himself under scrutiny during December’s run of five defeats in six matches, which saw Villa plunge into the relegation zone.
But the boss, who has always prided himself in an ability to stay cool when the heat is on, insists the increased focus in the top flight has never fazed him.
“Of course it is amplified because there are more media involved but you are only in control of what you can control,” said Smith.
“People say you are under pressure because you have lost five out of six games.
“Listen, you are under pressure if you have won five out of six games in this league.
“I never worry about what I can’t control. All you can control is getting the players to go out and put performances in, what you do on the training ground and who you bring in.
“You learn that very quickly. I learned it when I was an assistant to Martin Ling at Leyton Orient.”
Villa head to Leicester tomorrow night for the first leg of a Carabao Cup semi-final.
Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings are both expected to return after being rested for Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Fulham.
Matt Targett is again expected to miss out with a hamstring injury, though Smith is hopeful the left-back could return for Sunday’s Premier League visit of Manchester City.
