Okore backs young Villa to improve

New Aston Villa signing Jores Okore has backed his new team-mates to improve their Premier League standing in the coming season.

Villa looked set to be involved in a relegation battle as last season drew to its conclusion, but an impressive late surge ensured that they finished well clear of the drop, ending in 15th place.

However, the Ivorian feels that Paul Lambert’s young squad can prove their potential this season, starting with a clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on August 17th.

“We want to show our potential. We are a young team and have a long way to go. But we can get to a good level of performance and really show everyone who we are,” Okore told the club’s official website.

“We have a great coach who can develop us and make us really good players. I think he can bring some great things out in me.

“We want to be a good team. We want to get some exciting things going. We have good players all around. I want to be a big part of the team personally too.”

The 20-year-old defender is also looking forward to sampling English football first hand, especially the atmosphere at Villa Park.

“It’s going to be exciting to play at Villa Park. I can’t wait. I am looking forward to it,” the Denmark international continued.

“The culture of English football is great.

“Our home stadium has a great atmosphere in every game. I can’t wait to get together with the fans.”

Lambert and Villa have been busy in the the transfer market in the close-season, with Okore one of six players to arrive so far.