Maupay: I'll always be grateful to Villa boss Smith

Dean Smith gave Neal Maupay his chance in English football, but the Albion striker is determined to help beat his Aston Villa team on Saturday afternoon at the Amex Stadium.

Bruce Talbot

2020-01-17T06:00:00Z

Neal Maupay in the studio earlier this week.

Smith was Brentford boss when Maupay arrived at Griffin Park from St Etienne, and the forward went on to score 45 goals in 91 appearances over two seasons before arriving at Albion in the summer.

“It was my first time in England and I had to discover everything quite quickly,” said Maupay. “Dean Smith was great for me. He brought me to this country and gave me my chance.

Neal Maupay in action at Everton last weekend.

“At the time I was looking for a club who believed in me. Dean told me to come here and said I would enjoy it, and it worked out for me.”

Smith guided Villa to a 2-1 win over Albion in October. Adam Webster put the Seagulls ahead, but Aaron Mooy was sent off and the hosts won the game with a stoppage-time goal.

Maupay added, “We played really well but the red card made it tough - although even with a man less we were really unfortunate with the way they scored in the last minute. It’s a new start this weekend and we’re ready, hopefully we can atone for that game.”

Although he wasn’t on target that day, Maupay has form in front of goal against Villa. He scored three times against them for Brentford last season in a 2-2 draw at Villa Park and a 1-0 home win in the Championship.

With a trip to AFC Bournemouth to come next Tuesday, the Frenchman acknowledges that it’s an important time for Albion, and he is banking on the backing of another sell-out Amex crowd tomorrow.

“One of our strengths is making sure every game is as big as the last, no matter who we’re playing. It’s a big period coming up and we feel ready for it, it’s a good chance to get some points," he added.

Neal Maupay on the training ground this week.

“The fans understand what we’re trying to do and they realise it’s the way we can win matches. When it works at the Amex the atmosphere is really good. We show what we’re about and we’re a dangerous team when it comes together.

“Sometimes we can be in the opposition half and rather than trying to attack when there is no space and lose the ball, we’ll go back to our goalkeeper. Hopefully we can get the fans behind us because they are a big part. All the players are enjoying our style of play of trying to keep the ball and create chances.

“I understand the fans want us to attack, but it can’t always be like that – it takes courage to play in this way. We have confidence in the head coach’s ideas and what he wants us to do.”