Navigating wins and losses: A conversation with Aston Villa

I = Interviewer

IM = Ian Maatsen

I: How have you found things at Aston Villa since joining the club in the summer?

IM: I settled in very well. It’s a big club, with very good people and really good teammates so that has been very helpful. I knew some of the team already, so it has been very good.

I: How aware were you of Aston Villa’s history?

IM: The history speaks for itself (in reference to winning the European Cup in 1982). This new Aston Villa is a very exciting project, with such a good manager who wants to play (good) football and dominate, especially at Villa Park with such an amazing atmosphere. It has been very good so far.

I: What are the objectives for the remainder of the season?

IM: The first six months, it has been good. You have to win more games, but we are playing consistent and have to trust (ourselves) when we face a strong opponent and focus on our game. We are in good form and signed some good players so hopefully it will be very exciting going forward. In the Champions League, we can make new history at this club and hopefully everyone is on the same page. We will try our best in the next round, and hopefully we can make the final.

I: Are there similarities to Aston Villa with Borussia Dortmund last season when they reached the UCL final?

IM: It’s a different team but especially for Aston Villa, it’s a very exciting journey because we have gone through in the top eight and had some really good performances and standards. We have a similar chance to go through to the next round so hopefully we can achieve that.

I: What did it feel like to achieve famous wins against Bayern Munich and Celtic at Villa Park?

IM: It was a very exciting game against Bayern Munich because of the history from back in the day. Bayern Munich is a very big team but when they came to Villa Park, the pressure was on, and we played well. The atmosphere was beautiful, and it reminded people of the game back in the day (when Villa beat Munich to win the European Cup in 1982). It was a special game, and we took the clean sheet and the win. There couldn’t have been a better feeling.

I: What is your routine before a game?

IM: The basic things. I listen to music, call my loved ones, my new daughter and call them before the game so everyone is excited for the game.

I listen to music to get into the zone and be free in my mind. I take every game with the same routine. I’m not really superstitious. Sometimes I listen to music or want to hear noises from people talking in the dressing room.

I: What music do you listen to?

IM: Afrobeats or sometimes rap music. If I want to relax more, I listen to some gospel to relax my mind and be happy.

I: Who controls the music in the changing rooms?

IM: Morgan Rogers is normally in charge of the tunes and so far it is very good so we don’t need to change.

I: What is different in the Premier League compared to the Bundesliga?

IM: Germany is a league with young players that need the confidence to show themselves at the highest level. But compared to the Premier League is a big difference with the intensity. Every year it gets tougher and tougher. The Bundesliga is a good league for young players to get their name up and play a lot of minutes.

I: It must have been great to be reunited with Donyell Malen?

IM: He’s Dutch and had my time with him at Borussia Dortmund and the national team. I’m close with him so I am really happy that he has joined Aston Villa and it’s nice to share to pitch with each other because we know the ins and outs. I hope we can make great history together.

I: How do you unwind after a game?

IM: I enjoy the moment, and we played a fantastic game (against Munich) and it was a crazy match. After the game I go to my box with my family and then the next day we have a recovery day before summarising the match, the good and bad things. But we enjoy the moment. The game is gone and there are next games to focus on, so I just summarise the games and then relax with my family or go for a walk.

I: What are your hobbies outside of football?

IM: I have a dog at home, go to the park and have walks with my daughter and girlfriend.

I: Who was your football idol growing up?

IM: I grew up watching Lionel Messi, he is one of the best footballers in the world. Also, his left hook, dribbling, skills, he is such a pure talent.

I: Do you enjoy any British food?

IM: I tried fish and chips on a Sunday and that’s quite nice, but I haven’t tried anything else yet.

I: What food do you eat, for instance is there a particular breakfast you have before training?

IM: I have different types of breakfast. I like to have an omelette, some toast, a smoothie or sometimes porridge with fruits. For lunch, I have rice or pasta or chicken, fish and some vegetables.

I: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

IM: To look into the future and see where the next step is, what is coming for me and also the team.

I = Interviewer

LB = Leon Bailey

I: You joined Aston Villa in 2021, how quick has it gone?

LB: It’s gone by so quickly that come August it’s going to be four years and it’s going to be the second longest club I have been at so for me, here is home and I’m enjoying every moment. The club is doing amazing at the moment, so I am just enjoying it.

I: How incredible has Aston Villa’s transformation been under Unai Emery?

LB: It’s an incredible feeling for me because coming here under Dean Smith, it was under different circumstances but there was a plan and to be able to see it being executed and going in the direction we were hoping for is a lovely feeling. We are doing that journey and seeing the club go back to where it needs to be.

Slowly it is getting there, and we are just enjoying these moments like being back in the Champions League and in Europe again which is nice. We are competing for the Champions League position in the league too so it’s nice to be in that environment and to see the club reaching the heights of where it is at now. It’s an incredible feeling.

I: Were you aware of the club’s history before joining?

LB: Definitely. Before I came here, I did some research on the club and my dad, who is my agent, told me about the club as well so I had information and knew it was a big club. The fanbase of the club is also massive and it’s a club that would’ve grown in the years to come (when I joined) and that was the plan, and it’s actually happening now. It’s an accomplishment and a great feeling. Hopefully the club can continue growing and I can be growing with the club as well.

I: What has been your standout memory since joining Aston Villa?

LB: My standout memory would definitely be last season when we had 15 or 16 games unbeaten at home and that memory will always stay with me.

I: How do you unwind after playing a big game?

LB: I don’t think we have any time to switch off because of how rapidly the games come up. We understand as professionals it is our job. When we get the time to wind down and recover, we will do that. The coaches always make sure we get that time, but we have mid-week games and then games on the weekend. It is very difficult because you really have to recover quick and be ready for the next one.

Every player understands that. We’re professional to know what we need to do and get our minds prepared for the next game. When the time comes to have a day off and wind down or relax and recover, we will get it, but it is difficult when you play in so many competitions. For us, we have to get the job done and when the time comes, we can relax.

I: How do you mentally prepare for a game every three or four days?

LB: It is pretty tough, but the lads are used to playing so many games, and that’s why it is important we have depth in the squad to rotate because it is easy to get injuries. We have a good manager that prepares us very well and makes sure that even with the tactics on the pitch, we are watching videos to make sure our minds are mentally ready for the next challenge. It is difficult but we know how to work and how to get the job done.

I: How do you prepare for a game in terms of a routine?

LB: If it is a late game, we will make sure that we nap. Leading up to the game, you are definitely going to try and get into the zone for a game. Whatever brings you into that mood for the game. Whether it’s music or being quiet and really focusing on the game. For me personally, it’s music and getting a vibe and feeling confident.

I: What type of music do you listen to?

LB: I listen to all types of different of genre. I like hip hop. I’m a fan of Drake, Kendrick Lemar and all of these types of artists.

I: Who is the prankster in the changing rooms?

LB: Definitely John McGinn. He always tries to prank people or is telling the jokes. Morgan Rogers is always bantering with people as well. There’s a few more but those two are the standouts.

I: Do you struggle to understand John McGinn’s accent?

LB: Definitely at the beginning when I just arrived at Aston Villa, I was definitely struggling. I still do struggle a little bit now but it’s better. We get on very well, so I understand him more clearer now.

I: What are the objectives for the remainder of the season?

LB: The objective is to definitely push on and try to get a trophy. That’s the goal and that is what we want to achieve. We have to make sure we work hard, enjoy the moment and focus on right now, and try to maintain the level we have been playing at. We want to try and win a trophy at the end of the season.

I: Was it hard to settle in England from Germany?

LB: No, so there are two different lifestyles. Coming to England, I didn’t really struggle settling in because I was used to the environment already and had friends and family members who lived in the UK. So, it wasn’t hard for me to settle in. But in terms of the football, it was a little challenging at the beginning for me. But we tried to get over that hurdle as quickly as possible and I did which I was proud of at the time. You have to try and adapt as quickly as possible.

I: Do you wear the same boots in a game or change them?

LB: I don’t change my boots. I never train with my match boots though.

I: Can you speak six languages?

LB: I’m a bit rusty in two of them. I can speak German, Dutch, English and then Jamaican Patois so four.

I: Is it true you chose No.31 as your jersey because of Raheem Sterling?

LB: Yes, when I just started my career, I was very close with Raheem. Even before I started my career, I was close with Raheem. I’ve known Raheem since the age of 16 and he was at Liverpool at the time.

I looked up to him as a Jamaican that was playing at the highest level and was so young as well. He is an inspiration to me. When I signed my first contract, I thought what better number than to take 31. I talked to him, and he was very supportive of me before I became a professional.

I: Did Raheem give you any advice when you joined Aston Villa?

LB: He’s like a big brother to me; we are very close and speak all of the time. We are always in Jamaica together and even in England, we link up sometimes. He is always giving me advice on everything, not just football but life.

I: Do you like any British food?

LB: I am very cultural and embrace my culture a lot wherever I go. My partner cooks me a meal every day and night, and I have two chefs as well in case my partner ever needs to take a break from cooking. I’m the type of person who is always eating Jamaican food.

I: Is there anything Villa fans don’t know about you?

LB: There’s a lot of stuff Villa fans don’t know about me but sometimes you have to keep people wondering.

For the most part, people know I’m a cool person and like to have fun and to be that character for the team that can lift everybody’s spirit and never let anyone feel down. I’m just the hype man, a joker and the guy who is always going to put on different music, different style of dressing or whatever it is, I am that guy.

I: What is it like when you score at Villa Park?

LB: It’s incredible. I have never seen anything like it before and it’s a special feeling for me. I have had a lot of experience scoring in front of the Holte End. I think almost all of the goals I have scored is in front of the Holte End so it gives me a buzz. When they sing my name or another player, it is always a special feeling. You feel hyped and I appreciate the fans for always being behind the team and letting each individual feel a lot of motivation.

Sometimes you need it in a game, and they try to give you that push an extra man on the pitch. It is nice to have. I remember last season; I was playing, and the ball would come to me on the right side, and I used to feed off the energy from the fans. When the ball came to me, I could just hear the fans, and it would get louder and louder, so I used to feed off that and it helped me with my game a lot.

I: How motivated do the fans make you feel on the pitch?

LB: It gives us a lot of motivation. It is not just me, but it’s all of the players. I know what it does to me, but I can’t tell you how it makes other people feel but in general, it gives the team a different upliftment, a different push to play better football or try to score an extra goal. It gives us a boost.

I: Fans have a lot of signs asking players for their shirt after a game. What needs to standout for you to give them your shirt?

LB: I don’t think any sign needs to stand out for me because I like making little ones happy, the less fortunate ones and anybody in general. If I see somebody who looks like they really want my shirt then I will give it to them. They don’t need to have a sign or anything. I’ll do it regardless.

I: Who is your football hero?

LB: Not now but back in the day I used to really look up to Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry.

I = Interviewer

DM = Danyell Malen

I: How have you settled in since joining Aston Villa?

DM: Quite well, I’ve been enjoying my days here, training and playing games so I’m settling in well.

I: Did Ian Maatsen help convince you to join the club?

DM: Yes, I am good friends with him. We spoke about the club, the city and everything (else), it was positive, so he helped.

I: Were you aware of the history of Aston Villa before joining?

DM: I knew that back in the day it was a successful club and a very historical club in England.

I: Since moving to England, have you found anything different compared to Germany?

DM: I lived in England for two years when I was 16 years old so I knew quite a bit about the UK. I’m just happy to be here and really enjoy it.

I: How does it feel hearing the fans sing your name at Villa Park?

DM: I really enjoyed it. This is why you play football, and everyone was buzzing. The crowd were really into the game, it was special.

I: When you made your debut for Aston Villa, did you do anything different in terms of preparing for the game?

DM: No, I was doing the same things, it’s not a long list of things I do. It was the same.

I: What is your pre-game routine?

DM: I stretch and loosen up my ankles. That’s it and maybe some biking.

I: Do you have any superstitions?

DM: If you ask me right now, no.

I: Are there any differences in the Premier League and Bundesliga?

DM: I think the speed of the game and of course the quality of the players but you come here to play against the best players in the world. I really like it.

I: Aston Villa are in the FA Cup, Champions League and fighting for a place in next year’s UCL, what are the objectives for the rest of the season?

DM: I think we should look up and go wherever it takes us. We have to go game by game and see how far we can get.

I: How do you unwind after a game?

DM: I like to watch sports, I watched the Super Bowl and then I’m just with my family, my wife and enjoying the time.

I: How do you mentally prepare for the amount of games Villa will be playing for the rest of the season?

DM: When you are a kid, you want to play games with the biggest stadiums, and it is really important to win. Of course, you have to prepare mentally but at the end of the day, that is something I really enjoy doing.