Bruce’s first game as Aston Villa boss ended in a 1-1 draw.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Aly Cissokho has suggested that Aston Villa’s poor second-half performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend was down to the fact that new boss Steve Bruce had already tried to instil his philosophy in the team, the Birmingham Mail reports.
The former Sunderland boss was only appointed at Villa Park in the days leading up to the Championship clash. And it appeared that the side had received the boost they needed following his appointment as Jonathan Kodjia put them ahead from the penalty spot after 15 minutes.
Preston’s Aiden McGeady in action with Aston Villa’s Aly Cissokho
However, Wolves equalised from the spot around 10 minutes before the break, and subsequently dominated much of the second-half.
And Cissokho has suggested that Villa’s struggles in the latter stages were down to Bruce’s attempts to make immediate changes, before insisting that his arrival has had a positive impact on the team.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
“On Saturday it was difficult to do. In the second half we were disorganised,” he said, as reported by the Mail.
“The difference was we stuck together and the manager tried to help us.
“In the second half he gave us many things to focus on the opposition, the game, to stick together. We will see what happens in the future.”
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia celebrates with team mates after scoring his sides first goal
With plenty of time left in the season, Villa fans will be pleased that Bruce is already looking to make changes, even if it nearly cost them on this occasion.
There is absolutely no reason why they cannot now put a run together that sees them move into contention for a top six spot, so the sooner Bruce starts to make those changes, the more likely it is that they will be able to put their disappointing start well and truly behind them.
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