Saturday 16 August 2014 18:41, UK
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has hit out at Southampton manager Ronald Koeman over the Dutchman’s pursuit of Ron Vlaar.
The Villa captain has been subject to widespread rumours over his future, with Koeman admitting that Vlaar would be a ‘perfect addition’ to the Saints squad.
After Andreas Weimann’s goal gave Villa a 1-0 win over Stoke on Saturday, Lambert says he thought that Koeman’s comments about his star defender were disrespectful.
“The thing that annoys me about this speculation is that people are talking out of turn about other players,” the Villa boss said.
“You cannot do that. You’ve got to have a bit of respect for other clubs and other managers.
“I think he was wrong about what he said. People know who I’m talking about. I think it’s wrong.”
The Scottish boss lauded his back four after claiming three points at the Britannia Stadium – something only Norwich, Liverpool and Spurs managed to do in last season’s Premier League.
“I thought the back four were great and Aly Cissokho, after being thrown in at the deep end, was outstanding,” the Villa boss said.
“I thought we were a threat all game. Agbonlahor’s pace was frightening. It was a solid team performance.
“The whole back four – Alan Hutton, Philippe Senderos, Vlaar and Cissokho – along with (Brad) Guzan were outstanding. They never got bullied and stood up to it.”
With just over two weeks remaining of the transfer window, Lambert admits that he will continue to search the market for new additions, and hopes that Saturday’s performance will act as a catalyst for a successful season.
“The commitment of the players was fantastic and the fans were brilliant too.
“I’ll try and do it. If I can bring one or two more in I will do it. It’s got to be right for the club but that was a big, big performance.”
