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Carabao Cup

Grealish: We'll use Play-Off win to our advantage

Read an exclusive interview with the Villa skipper ahead of the Carabao Cup Final...

24 February 2020

Jack Grealish says last season's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final triumph will stand Aston Villa in good stead as they prepare for this weekend's Carabao Cup Final.

The Villa captain was part of the side that beat Derby County 2-1 at Wembley back in May to earn promotion to the Premier League, and will lead his side out against Manchester City under the arch on Sunday 1 March.

Speaking exclusively to the EFL ahead of the game, Grealish believes their most recent visit to the National Stadium will prove useful, as they look to get their hands on silverware.

“We can use that experience," he said. "Plenty of us are still here in the squad, so we’ll bring that win into the Final.

"We’re all really looking forward to it, and I mean everyone – it’s a big day out for the club and the fans. Hopefully, we can put a smile on their faces.

“Everyone knows what the Villa fans are like and how good they are. At Wembley last year, they played a massive part, and I have no doubt they’ll be loud and proud again at the weekend.

"It’s up to us to give them something to shout about."

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While City will be favourites to lift the trophy, Grealish believes that the camaraderie within the Villa dressing room can go a long way.

“We have a good team, a good squad, a good dressing room," he added. "The staff are brilliant here too; everyone plays a part, and it helps.

"From the manager down to the players and the staff, there’s a team spirit, and it can only help on days like these.

“Our WhatsApp group, ‘Ty’s Mortgages’, is still going strong! Everyone knows about Tyrone Mings' past [as a mortgage advisor] and he’s spoken about it a fair bit.

"It’s just a bit of banter between the lads, really. Little things like that help the team spirit."


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