Steve Round held a series of lengthly discussions with club owner Tony Xia before his appointment as technical director.
Steve Round during his time at Everton
Steve Round was appointed Aston Villa’s technical director on September 1st, and the former Everton and Manchester United assistant has opened up to the club’s official website about discussions held with Villa owner Tony Xia prior to his appointment.
Xia has found himself the target for heavy criticism from pundits and fans for his perceived interference in first-team affairs, but Round spoke highly of his new employer:
Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia
“We got on very well. We had great discussions. We talked a lot about football philosophy, business and life. I was very impressed with him. It echoed my thoughts that this was the right club to be at.”
Judging by Round’s words, the Villa owner is certainly keen to see the club succeed, and is extremely passionate about bringing success to the Midlands outfit.
Round’s role as technical director at Villa Park is centred around helping the club move forward with a modern 21st Century vision, with data and technology playing a key role in how not only players are scouted, but in improving the talent currently amongst the Villa squad.
Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia in the stands
Round spoke to avfc.co.uk about how Xia’s ideas and philosophies had to match his own for his time at the club to be worthwhile:
“What I wanted to see from him was what his vision was for the club, what he thought going forward, what he thought the role was, how we could work together on it. He would’ve felt the same way.”
Roberto Di Matteo’s men have struggled to hit the ground running in the Championship, and currently sit 16th in the table after a win, two draws and two defeats from their opening five league games.
Villa fans will be hoping that Round’s influence will start to bear fruit on the football pitch sooner rather than later, if their expectations of promotion are to be met.
Roberto Di Matteo and owner Dr Tony Xia
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