Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has delivered a startlingly frank assessment of his final days at the club, using expletives to describe his team's dismal form that ultimately cost him his job.
In a remarkably honest interview, the now-Norwich City boss refused to sugarcoat the performances that led to his dismissal from Villa Park in 2021. Smith's tenure, which had once seen him lead the club to an impressive 11th-place finish, unravelled dramatically in his third season.
The Brutal Honesty of a Manager Under Fire
Smith didn't mince his words when reflecting on that difficult period. "We were shit, to be honest with you," he stated bluntly, acknowledging that the team's dramatic drop in form was undeniable and ultimately unforgivable in the cut-throat world of Premier League management.
The downturn was swift and severe. After a strong start to the 2021/22 season, Villa's campaign spectacularly derailed, culminating in five consecutive defeats. This miserable run sealed Smith's fate, with the club's hierarchy deciding a change was necessary to halt the alarming slide towards the relegation zone.
From Hero to Zero: The Unravelling of a Tenure
Smith's fall from grace was particularly stark given his previous hero status at the club. He was the local boy and lifelong Villa fan who had achieved the near-mythical feat of guiding the team back to the Premier League and securing their status in the top flight.
His departure highlights the immense pressure and fleeting nature of success in modern football. Despite his deep connections and past achievements, the relentless demand for results left no room for sentimentality.
Smith's candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the self-awareness required of top-level managers. Even in the face of personal failure, he demonstrates an ability to critically analyse his own work without making excuses—a trait that undoubtedly contributed to his swift return to management with Norwich City.
