Steven Gerrard has revealed that Aston Villa are targeting a top-half finish in the Premier League this season.
Villa finished 14th in an underwhelming campaign last season, one which saw Gerrard arrive in November to replace Dean Smith as manager.
Despite a series of positive performances during Gerrard’s opening months in charge, Villa struggled for consistent results and won just two of their final 11 Premier League fixtures of the season.
Villa travel to face Bournemouth in their opening fixture this weekend and Gerrard is confident that his side can improve on their inconsistencies and aim for a top-half finish.
“We’re very much looking forward and trying to improve our league position and finish in the top half, we want to have positive cup runs as well,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“We want to try and make our fans happy.”
Villa have strengthened during the summer with a number of impressive additions, including securing Philippe Coutinho on a permanent basis.
Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara are also reported to have turned down Champions League clubs to sign for Villa, and Gerrard has been pleased with his side’s pre-season preparations.
“We’ve had a smooth pre-season, the application has been superb but now it’s for real.
“I’m confident that we can improve on our inconsistencies last season, that’s the most important thing for me.”
