Ezri Konsa came along for the trip to the USA as Aston Villa gear up for the new season.
The 27-year-old reflected on an "enjoyable trip" Stateside as the intensity goes up another notch next week.
‘These games are for us to try new things’
The defender has been part of the whole tour of the USA, as Aston Villa drew 2-2 with Eintracht Frankfurt, beat St. Louis City 2-1, and played out a 2-2 stalemate with Nashville SC in Tennessee.
He has enjoyed the time across the Atlantic Ocean as an opportunity to bring the boys closer together.
“It’s been really good: trips like this bring the boys together. We’ve all had an enjoyable time spending time with each other. We’re heading back home now to be with our families and rest up for a few days and then we’re back to it.”
Manager Unai Emery has explained how he divided this trip into two phases.
The first involved the continued use of young players who have been present with the backroom staff in early July, and the second has seen regular first team members make their way back to full fitness.
Konsa has been more than happy to help the junior players on the pitch as the Villans are developing a feel-good factor.
“There were a lot of changes and a lot of young players here with us. It’s good for them to come with us and learn a few things from senior pros like myself. It’s been an enjoyable trip and we’ll go back now and focus on the games we’ve got next week.”
The work does not stop for the group.
In a four day period, the team face **AS Roma**in Walsall, then travel to play **Marseille**and Villarreal, one of Emery's old clubs, at their stadiums next weekend.
The players had to adapt to fighting on three fronts in the Champions League, FA Cup, and Premier League last campaign.
Domestic and continental ambitions are both on the agenda once more, thanks to qualification for the Europa League.
This test should help the squad get into the groove sooner.
*“It’s going to be tough. We’re playing against top opposition, so we have to go into these games and treat it like it’s a Premier League game. These games are for us to try new things – whatever the boss wants us to do. It’s all going to lead into the game against Newcastle United.”*