Ahmed Elmohamady calls on Aston Villa to make a quick start against Derby
Ahmed Elmohamady has urged Villa to go at Derby from the start in Monday’s play-off final as he declared: “This must be our year.”
The Egyptian international was part of the team which suffered heartbreak at Wembley against Fulham 12 months ago.
Elmohamady believes a sluggish first-half performance ultimately cost Villa dear and does not want them to repeat the mistake against the Rams.
He said: “This time we need to be focused to go from the first minute. Last year we left it too late. We gave everything in the second half but it was too late. We will learn from that.
“When you have been there and felt the disappointment, seen how down the fans are. This is all in your mind before the game.
“You want to go out and give everything. Hopefully it will be our time, this time. This club deserves to be in the Premier League. This year we have to get it right and get the club back to the Premier League. It is so important for everyone.”
Villa beat the Rams 7-0 on aggregate in their previous two meetings this season.
But Elmohamady, who is preparing for his third play-off final in four seasons having won promotion with Hull in 2016, believes that counts for nothing.
He said: “It’s a completely different game. You saw Derby against Leeds. They were beaten by them twice in the league but managed to get through in the play-offs. It is all about what happens on the day.”
Villa assistant coach John Terry has been linked with the vacant managerial post at Middlesbrough. Reports claim the 38-year-old is on the shortlist to replace Tony Pulis.
