Aston Villa need a manager to change the ethos of the club, says Garry Thompson.
Athletic Bilbao’s Marcelo Bielsa
Former Aston Villa player Gary Thompson has urged the club to think outside the box when it comes to making their next managerial appointment.
Speaking to BBC West Midlands Sport after Roberto di Matteo was fired as Villa manager, Thompson said he would like a manager with the same approach as former Argentina and Chile boss Marcelo Bielsa.
Former Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo
While admitting Villa stand little shot of tempting Bielsa to the club, Thompson used him as an example of the type of manager they should be looking to appoint.
He said: “If you look at the shortlist then [Steve] Bruce is the top of the list, my actual choice would be someone like Marcelo Bielsa, who from year dot has led a team, with a way of playing. Sampaoli and Guardiola are disciples of him.
“You wouldn’t get him, but would you want someone of that ilk, who plays that way, and can bring a new ethos to this club, a new style, and get the fans believing, get the players believing.
“You are never going to get Bielsa but someone like that would be ideal.”
Thompson played for Villa between 1986 and 1988, making 60 appearances for the club before being sold to Watford.
Villa are searching for their fourth permanent boss in less than two seasons, with Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde fired within the past 12 months.
The club have only won one game this season out of 11 Championship matches, and sit as low as 19th in the division.
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia heads at goal
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