Dean: We had to go on spree
Rodgers aiming to bag a happy homecoming
DEAN SMITH says Aston Villa had no option but to spend £130m on a brand new team.
While today’s opponents Norwich spent just a fraction of that amount, Smith insists his massive summer spree was justified.
Villa signed 12 new players and broke their transfer record to bring in Brazilian striker Wesley from Club Brugge.
But almost as many senior players left after the play-off final win over Derby.
In contrast, Norwich kept their spending to a minimum and held on to the core of the squad that won last season’s Championship.
Smith said: “It was totally different to Norwich. They had a team. We had a lot of players out of contract, and a squad on the wrong side of 30.
“We decided we were going to change that, so the team could go and evolve. That’s what we’re doing at the moment.
“As for comparisons, the only one you can make is that we both got promoted.
“Norwich’s average age last season was lower than ours.
“They could definitely keep that squad together and I’m sure they were building.
“They have the likes of their two young full-backs, Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis, it was a squad built up that way for the future and it’s what we’re looking to do now.”
BRENDAN RODGERS hopes Leicester make themselves at home on his first return to Anfield, after renting successor Jurgen Klopp his Liverpool house over a brew.
Former Reds boss Rodgers heads back to unbeaten Premier League leaders Liverpool today for the first time as a manager since they sacked him in October 2015.
And he is relishing the trip after insisting he holds no grudges following his exit.
Rodgers revealed he even made Klopp a cup of tea when the German came to rent his house on Merseyside, after struggling to find a family home.
The 46-year-old said: “The girls looked around the house and we had a cup of tea and a talk about football.
“What we said is private but he is a good guy with perspective on life. He has been great for the Premier League.
“He was a top class manager who wasn’t in work so there was obviously going to be an interest. He has come in and done great.”
Ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Klopp is already a legend at Liverpool after winning the Champions League last term and just missing out on the Premier League title.
Klopp’s bid was boosted by shelling out a combined £141m on star defender Virgil van Dijk and keeper Alisson in 2018.
Rodgers could have gone down in folklore had he delivered the top-flight title to Liverpool after leaving Swansea in 2012 to take charge, aged just 39.
But his side also just Manchester City in 2013-14.
Rodgers was sacked in October 2015 by the club’s US owners after a 1-1 draw at Everton.
He said: “I was in the car, I had just left Melwood, and I was coming through Stockbridge Village when I got the call.
“I understood. The owners were brilliant for me. I thanked them for giving me the opportunity, they were still learning as well.
“They realised later on that if you do need a centre-half or a goalkeeper you have to pay the money and get him in.”
Rodgers’ side were pipped to the crown after losing 2-0 at home to Chelsea, when Steven Gerrard’s slip allowed Demba Ba to open the scoring just before the break.
Gerrard has since admitted to rueing the mistake every day but Rodgers insisted he only thinks about it; “From time to time, I don’t burden myself with it.
“It was different for Stevie as the captain and really wanting that title. For me, I believe missed out to we did everything that we possibly could but fell short.”
Rodgers, who won successive trebles after joining Celtic in 2016, believes Liverpool’s success in Europe could make the difference.
He said: “They’re going to have a great chance. Now they have the confidence of winning. It gives you an edge.
“They have gone close a few times over the last few years in the League Cup, the Europa League but actually then having won the Champions League, that lets them know that they can be winners.”
Rodgers believes he has learned how to handle pressure better, and also knows not to take it personally when stars defect.
At Liverpool, he had to deal with Luis Suarez joining Barcelona and Raheem Sterling heading to Manchester City.
But it helped him cope with Leicester losing England star Harry Maguire to Manchester United this summer.
Rodgers added: “We lost one of our top players when Harry went to United.
“So the experience back then helps you deal with this better. You learn from it.
“You know you have to do the best for the player and the club and if he ends up going then don’t take it personally. You move on.”