McLeish Exclusive: Smith’s had ‘Absolute Nightmare’ over big-name axe

Wed 21 October 2020 17:30, UK

Alex McLeish admits Dean Smith needed to be “ruthless” in choosing his 25-man Aston Villa squad this season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Villa boss insists picking players and leaving others out can be an “absolute nightmare” for those in the dugout.

As confirmed on the Premier League website, Henri Lansbury is the most high-profile absentee from the squad, while the likes of fourth-choice goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic and injured striker Wesley Moraes have been included.

McLeish believes that while leaving someone like the 30-year-old is a tough decision, Smith will feel vindicated by his side’s impressive start to the season.

McLeish told Football Insider: “That was always a stumbling block for us when we were looking to try and finalise the 25 players, when you left someone out it was an absolute nightmare and headache for the manager.

“It will be very difficult for Dean to leave players like that out. He won’t be hurting that much with the results he’s been getting and the way the team’s been playing, it actually hurts less than you think.

“We care for all the players and you really want to see every one of them doing well but you’ve got to be ruthless, you’re running a team, you’ve got to play your best players to win as many games as you can and to try and bring a bit of success and make the fans happy.