Dean Smith has expressed his frustration at the Premier League tinkering with Aston Villa’s fixture schedule at late notice.
The Villains’ perfect start to the season was ruined last Friday, as Leeds United stunned the hosts at Villa Park.
The 3-0 defeat was a result that not many saw coming and it leaves Smith’s men requiring a response at home to Southampton on Sunday.
Villa’s clash with Leicester was moved late in the day earlier this month, while their upcoming clash with Arsenal a week on Saturday still doesn’t have an official kickoff time.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith admits it is frustration, considering the manner in which he plans training schedules:
It does upset things because you want to be planning ahead, you want the players to know what they are doing.
We still don’t know when the Arsenal game is going to be and that is only two weeks away. It is nice to get plans in place and have an idea of where we are at.
Read Aston Villa Verdict
It is a far-from-ideal situation for Villa to be in, but they must not allow it to affect their form and preparations moving forward.
Smith and his players were flying before the Leeds defeat, winning four league matches in a row, and it is easy to forget that they will top the table if they win their game in hand on Everton.
While plans may be disrupted by fixture uncertainty, it can’t be used as an excuse for Villa to feel sorry for themselves, allowing them to slowly drift down the league standings.
