Kevin Phillips expects major changes at Bodymoor Heath after what he’s seen at Aston Villa
Steven Gerrard will be “really encouraged” as he looks to impose his “high-intensity” style at Aston Villa, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Claret and Blue striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted every player is “working really hard” at their Bodymoor Heath headquarters to impress the 41-year-old.
Gerrard tasted defeat for the first time at Aston Villa on Wednesday (1 December), losing 2-1 against Man City at Villa Park.
However, as per PGR Analytics, Villa recorded their highest number of pressures so far this season (191) as Gerrard continues to implement his philosophy.
Their efforts kept City to an expected goals value of just 0.9 – the visitors’ lowest ranking of the season.
Phillips suggested Gerrard’s regime is bearing fruit on the pitch.
“Steven may well have gone in there and implemented some really high-intensity training,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Antonio Conte has done something similar. A new manager will expect that huge intensity.
“They’ll demand that whatever they do on that training ground translates over onto the pitch.
“I watched the game. In the first half, Villa stood strong at the back. They really hurt City on that counter and created some real opportunities.
“It’s really encouraging for Gerrard. Everyone is working really hard to try and get in his good books. You just hope they can keep it up until the end of the season without getting any big injuries.”
Aston Villa sit 13th in the Premier League.
Gerrard claimed victories in his first two games in charge against Brighton and Crystal Palace.
In other news, Alan Hutton wowed by Purslow’s Aston Villa transfer plan.