Dean Smith spoke to the media after Aston Villa’s defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.<br /><br />The boss discussed his team’s game plan, their valiant performance and the need for a cutting edge in the offensive third.<br /><br />Here’s what he had to say…<br /><br />On the performance…<br /> <br />“My reaction is one of disappointment. We’re scrapping for points and running out of games.<br /><br /> “I’m pleased with the performance, attitude and work-rate of the players. The game plan could have got us more out of the game against a team that’s been unbelievable for the past two seasons.<br /><br />“To come to Anfield and out-shoot the opposition, in terms of efforts on goal, is no mean feat, but I don’t want to be a valiant loser because if we are then we’ll get relegated.<br /><br />“I fully believe in this group of player and they put in a performance today that they can take heart from. They need to maintain the standards that we’re setting.”<br /><br />On the game plan…<br /><br />“If we came to Liverpool and tried to outplay them then there would only be one winner – there’s only been one winner all season against Liverpool.<br /><br />“They play a high line and we thought the space would be in behind the defence. Unfortunately, their quality in the final third told in the end.”<br /><br />On offensive play…<br /><br />“We’ve got to make the most out of our opportunities. We had a 4v2 at one stage when Jack was bursting through, he slipped it into El Ghazi and the goalkeeper made the save.<br /><br />“There were some really good performances from players, but we need goals at the moment.<br /><br />“We need that quality in the final third. I believe it’s there and I believe it will come.”<br /><br />SUBSCRIBE: https://dailymotion.com/FootballTalk<br />
