Victor Lindelof comes to Aston Villa after his contract ran out at Man United. But the free agent feels this Premier League club can give him more joyous memories in England, noting that Villa Park has a "great atmosphere" and can raise the level of the performances of the players in front of their fans.
‘Standards are very high’
Lindelof expressed the importance of his talks with Unai Emery before making a move to the Midlands.
“We had a good talk a couple of days ago, and we just talked about the football and how he sees me as a player and what I can bring to the team. That as well was one of the things that made me want to come here, after that phone call. We had a good talk, and I’m really looking forward to working under him.”
It has been a bad start to the new season for the Villans. An Ezri Konsa red card saw the team go down to ten men against Newcastle United, and the worst outfit in a 0-0 draw in their first home outing. Then came a 1-0 loss away to Brentford, and now the first defeat at home in more than twelve months.
Yet, they have finished in the top seven in each of the last three seasons, reaching the final four of the **Conference League**in 2024 and the quarter-final of the Champions League in April this year.
“The standards are very high, and I can’t wait to try and bring that standard up a little bit as well.”
Before a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, Villa had not lost at home since a 2-0 defeat to **Arsenal**on 24 August 2024. Again, the track record convinced the defender that this is only a temporary blip.
*“Playing at Villa Park, the fans, it’s always a great, great atmosphere. For me, to be able to go out there and have them behind me this time is going to be amazing, so I’m really looking forward to that.”*
Pau Torres, a ball playing defender who does not dominate duels, has been a big puzzle piece for Emery at Villa and Villarreal. Lindelof will have faith that he can fit into an established system soon enough.
“The team, very, very good with the ball, very good structure. I think everyone knows exactly what to do on the pitch, and I think that’s what the manager demands from the players as well.”