It’s a funny old game isn’t it?
A few years ago, we’d have said there was no chance of Steve Bruce ever managing the Villa, but that’s exactly where we are today.
I for one am happy about it.
Why? Because I feel he’s a much better manager than Roberto Di Matteo and being realistic, I’m not really sure that we could have got anyone “better”.
So what do I think Bruce will bring to the current Villa side?
Well, I’ve said previously that he’ll bring a system which should resolve the complaint that the players didn’t really know what they were meant to be doing.
He’ll also bring a bit of passion, which for me, was a major failing on RDM’s part. I’m not sure how much difference the manager waving his arms about and shouting makes to the team, but it’s certainly something I like to see.
And at least it looks like we’re trying to do something specific.
While I’m happy that we’ve got Bruce in, I’m also a bit concerned about this game. It’s another important one, made bigger by the fact that it’s against one of our local rivals and the thought of losing worries me. Not just because it’s a derby, but because I want the manager to get off on the right footing. To get the fans onside from the off.
A win is not an easy task these days though, as I’m sure I read somewhere that we’ve won five games in fifty four. Jeez, I knew it was bad, but that sort of pushes it home doesn’t it?
Fortunately, I’m a lot more confident that we’ll win under Bruce than I would have been under RDM.
The trouble is, the manager has only had a couple of days to look at the players and that’s not ideal preparation.
Hence I don’t think the personnel will change much. Indeed, I don’t believe the team that has been played previously has really been that far away from our best eleven, most of the time.
So given that we all know we have weaknesses in the midfield and in defence, it’s going to be more about organising and instructions.
Bruce has said there are going to be changes and it’ll be interesting to see what team he puts out. Or more accurately, how he plays them, especially up front. He likes a 3-5-2 and RDM tried it to no good effect, but I wonder if Bruce will do the same? Certainly the midfield needs beefing up, in my opinion.
Personally I think the changes he was talking about will come in January, as it’s blatantly obvious where our weaknesses are.
Anyway, given that I’m more confident I have to go for a win today. I’m more hoping than convinced though, as a winning mentality isn’t going to come overnight.
Villa 2-1
