Phillipe Senderos Signs for Villa
MOMS has already discussed how Philippe Senderos fits into the Aston Villa equation, but after he signed a two-year deal (which begins July 1st) before jetting off to Brazil to represent Switzerland in the World Cup, this is what the 29-year-old centre-back had to say about how he sees signing for Villa and becoming their first signing this summer.
Philippe Senderos Interview Quotage
First, the token line…
“I’m really delighted to be joining Aston Villa, a great club with such a big history, and for me this is a great step in my career,
Then respecting the players he wants to take the place of…
“There will be a lot of competition for places with Ron Vlaar, Ciaran Clark, Nathan Baker and Jores Okore also very capable Premier League defenders, so it will be up to me to fight for and to earn my place in the team.
Subtly admitting he’s joined a team in the mire…
“This is a team and a club which wants to do better, I know this, and hopefully we can all develop together and create something special.
…but he’s going to help us get out of it. Thank god for that!
“My goal is to help the team keep as many clean sheets as we can and to help drive Villa where we deserve to be and want to be.
“With Brad Guzan in Brazil with the USA squad and Ron Vlaar in the Dutch squad, that’s a great deal of experience we’ll be able to bring into the new season and, of course, Ciaran and Jores are also playing in their national teams. It’s good to have this level of pedigree at the heart of the team’s defence.
Then he plays his top cards…
“I have come to an age where I’ve learnt a lot under some great managers such as Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Ottmar Hitzfeld with the Swiss national team and I’ve built up a lot of experience. I can develop further and continue to get better and this will be my goal – to continue to grow as a player, to help the team to grow and to contribute everything I can through the season.
Then a little white lie to round his interview off…
“I’m also excited to work with Paul Lambert whom I know has a great deal of respect also for Ottmar Hitzfeld and my challenge will be to vindicate the trust he has shown in bringing me to Villa.”
The Lambert Line
Here’s what the Villa boss Paul Lambert had to say on his first summer signing…
Look into my eyes, you are feeling very sleeping…listen to my whispering voice…Senderos is world class…
“He’s played for some top sides and was a big influence in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final in 2006, so we’re bringing in a really experienced player who’s been there and done it and that will be important for the team,”
Lambert’s done his research…
“I went to Switzerland not long ago to watch the national team train and I could see he has a good, strong mentality for the game. Ottmar knows players and for him to say that Philippe has never disappointed him on the pitch, that’s no small commendation.
Lambert’s done the maths…
“This will be Philippe’s third World Cup finals and there aren’t too many players who compete at that level over that stretch of time. He’ll be a great addition to the group.”
We wish Senderos all the best and lets hope he has the best years of his career with us. UTV
Could be worse. With three at the back, his pace won’t be quite as big a liability. Injuries would be a concern though. Makes sense financially over others and gives the youngsters some time to mature.
Saw an old rumour reanimate regarding Hoolahan. That’s much more iffy.
Building for the championship then
Anyone is better that Nathan Baker. In fact anything is better than Nathan Baker.