Lambert promises intense Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has promised fans that he will adopt a more intense style of play this season.

Lambert’s men finished 15th last term thanks to a late revival that saw them win five and draw two of their last 11 games.

However, the Scot has brought in the likes of Aleksandar Tonev, Leandro Bacuna and Antonio Luna with the intention of adding pace and energy to his squad.

“We’re trying to build something here and it’s not going to happen overnight, I know that,” he told the club’s official website.

“But what we’ve done is bring in people who have got legs.

“We’ve got legs in the side. That’s important in modern day football and the way we play is a high-intensity game.

“You need players who can do that and over pre-season the players have been excellent.”

Christian Benteke, top scorer last season with 23 goals in all competitions, also provided a boost for the club by withdrawing a transfer request last month.

Villa kick off their season with a trip to Arsenal on August 17.