Yahoo News Ollie Watkins makes Aston Villa vow ahead of exciting Champions League campaign
Ollie Watkins appears to be fully committed to improving his goal tally for Aston Villa next season, and promises the team will be better in what he predicts will be highly competitive year.
The 2023/24 campaign finished with delight as Villa ended their four-decade-long absence from UEFA's elite competition. Rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United were left in the dust as Unai Emery 's side proved themselves English football's surprise package this year.
Well, that is depending on who you ask. Watkins is clear the outcome of such hard work since the Spaniard's appointment 18 months ago is of no shock value to those involved.
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"We have been tremendous all season - very consistent - and we finished where we deserved - with Champions League football coming to Villa Park," he told The Mirror. "What happened at Palace was poor - individually and collectively - but this doesn’t tell the story of our season. We’ve been great all year."
He holds the same outlook when reviewing his own personal achievements, too. Unfortunately missing out on a goal on the final day of the campaign meant the 28-year-old failed to become the first Villa player to register 20 top-flight goals in a season since Peter Withe in 1981, but it is not something that will drag him down.
Watkins added: "On a personal note, I’ve been consistent. There’s not much more I can do. It was the aim - to get to 20 goals - but there’s always next season. Has it been a breakthrough? Yes. But I wasn’t surprised by how well I’ve done because of all the hard work I’ve put in. And next season will be better, I’m sure of that."
As well as outlining his desire to play an integral role at this summer's European Championship's with England, he looked far in advance to the 2024/25 season. The striker recognises Villa must match their rivals in improvement if they are to keep them at arm's length, though ultimately holds a positive outlook.
"Next year will be very special," the No.11 concluded. "A lot of teams are competing. People say Chelsea have had a bad year - but I don’t think they have. They’ll be even stronger.
"The new manager at Crystal Palace has them firing. Tottenham are up there. We know next season will be difficult and we must be ready."
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