Tim Sherwood has told the media that he needs to instil a 'winning mentality' in his Aston Villa squad, if they are to be successful in the upcoming season.
Speaking at the launch of Villa's kits for the upcoming season, Sherwood adressed a number of topics, including new signings, targets for the season ahead and what he needed to do to improve the squad.
Sherwood took over with Villa in a dreadful position last season, in the Premier League relegation zone, and with the record as the club with the lowest amount of goals in England's top four divisions.
A mentality change is needed
The Londoner knew he had a tough job on his hands, commenting that "I said in the latter stages of last season, there is a losing mentality at Aston Villa."
Attempting to fix this by changing both squad and staff members this summer, Sherwood said "It is something we need to get rid of," telling that "It would help by bringing in new players who are used to winning and, also, it is for my staff to instil into them that it is a clean sheet."
A very passionate man, shown by his on-field antics, Sherwood also explained that "it hurts to lose football matches," and that he expected it to "hurt the players too."
Signing winners
Micah Richards, Sherwood's second signing of the summer after Scott Sinclair, could be the first part of solving the apparent problem, after arriving from trophy rich Manchester City.
Richards was part of the City side that won the league in 2012, and his new manager revealed that this was played a big part in deciding to sign him.
"He is a winner. He is a Premier League champion at a great age and is hungry for success. What he brings more than anything is a winning mentality," said Sherwood.
More additions?
There could yet be more additions to the Villa squad this summer, and you'd imagine that any new players will share this 'winning mentality' that Sherwood desires.
Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye is currently in the Midlands finalising a move, whilst an offer is set to be made for Anderlecht's Dennis Praet.