Every word Ezri Konsa said about Mings partnership, 'surreal' England moment and Champions League dream
Ezri Konsa sat down with the media at the Stade Louis II on Monday night ahead of Aston Villa’s penultimate Champions League league phase clash against AS Monaco.
The centre-back is expected to start his fifth game in the Champions League after only missing the match with Juventus in November. Here is every word Konsa said in his pre-match press conference…
What do you put your progress down to?
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"It comes from self belief and I have always been a player that believes in my ability. It was all about working hard at Charlton, where I started, and I waited for my opportunity to rise. I waited patiently and I always wanted to play Champions League football as a little kid so to finally do it now, this is a dream come true."
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How key is Tielemans?
"He has been a very important player for us in the last two years, especially this season. He is adding more goals and he has played in the number 10 role in the last few games and he has done exceptionally well for us. He scored an important goal at the weekend against Arsenal so we are grateful to have him in the team."
What is the mood like in the camp?
"We are in high spirits and the mood is good in the camp. We are in a good position in the table, but we have to focus on ourselves and get the three points tomorrow."
Are you doing better than you expected in the Champions League?
"It is terrific. After finding out the teams we were going to play, we knew it would be difficult. We are a team who believe in ourselves and especially because of the manager we have. We have so much confidence. He makes us believe we can win no matter who we are up against. I wouldn’t say it is a surprise. We are a great team."
Does confidence just roll on after each result?
"100 per cent, it is important to have confidence as these are the games you want to play. It is my first big tournament in the Champions League."
How important is Martinez?
"Very important, he is the best goalkeeper in the world and he is that for a reason. Everyone can see how good he is. The confidence he has, it helps the back four and we all have a great relationship with him. Having him behind me, it’s a big help in our performance."
How well has Mings done since returning from his big injury?
"He has done amazingly well. I don’t think we have lost a game since I’ve played alongside him so to have him back, it’s a great feeling. The chemistry we had before was amazing. We kept 15 clean sheets that season [before last], so to have him alongside me is amazing. It’s important for him to get this run of games after coming back from such a long, horrible injury. For him to get rhythm is important.
"It’s familiar for me. The role he has in the team and the character he has as well, that helps me a lot. He has a big voice, everyone knows that, and you can hear that on the pitch. I feel very comfortable playing alongside him and even when the ball goes over my head I know he will be there and likewise."
What does Unai do that is so special?
"He has a winning mentality and wants to win every game we are going into. He has put a lot of trust and belief in me. Since he has come in, I’ve made my England debut and I went to the Euros so I am forever grateful for the development he has helped me with. He is very detailed and determined. It’s been a pleasure working alongside him and hopefully that continues for a long time."
How do you see the season at this point?
"I think in the Premier League we are in a good position. Nobody thought some of the teams who are in the top 10 would be there. That’s the great thing about the Premier League. We have to take it game by game. We are on a decent run now at the moment. That goes for the Champions League too, we are in a great place on 13 points and we have two big games left."
How much did playing for England mean for you?
"It meant a lot for me, especially for my family. My dad always took me to training when I was a kid. Seeing him make my debut for England, it was a surreal moment. Going to the Euros and making my first start against Switzerland in the quarter-finals was a moment I can’t really describe. I went into the game with no fear at all. We did amazingly well to get to the final, but we couldn’t bring it home. We have a new manager now and I want to show him what I can do."
How demanding is the busy schedule?
"Last season we had a lot of games as well. Don’t get me wrong, it is tough, but there’s nothing we can do."
