Video: Rodgers and Lambert react to Liverpool victory

Reaction from Brendan Rodgers and Paul Lambert on Saturday (24th August) following Liverpool‘s 1-0 win at Aston Villa in EPL.

Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool manager:
“Tactically we had to play differently today and I was delighted with the players. I think that Aston Villa have shown, especially in these first couple of games the pace that they have in the team and they play on the counter attack. I thought the first half we controlled the ball well, controlled the spaces well. The second half we had to control the zones, defend half a pitch and deny them the space to run into and obviously that means conceding a bit more of the ball but it was great for our concentration. Like I said, we scored a goal and we could have had a few more, in particular in the first half but overall it’s a terrific result. As I’ve said Paul has done a great job here, galvanising the team and their very young and energetic team. For us to keep a clean sheet and get a win is a very good win for us.”

Paul Lambert, Aston Villa manager:
“I knew we’d have an adverse reaction from Saturday (win versus Arsenal) and Wednesday’s (defeat versus Chelsea) games. I knew that. It was important that we try to hang in when Liverpool had the domination for about 30 minutes or so. It wasn’t until the last 10-15 minutes of the first half I thought we started to get our second wind. In the second half I thought we were excellent. We gave it a go. For us we’ve played three teams (Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool) that are expected to be in that top group and we’ve given everyone a game. We’ve won one, just got beat Wednesday night (versus Chelsea) and just get beat (today). The progress is there for everybody to see and that’s what I’m pleased about. If we play like that for most of the season, we’ll have a good season.”