Kortney Hause admits Aston Villa gameplan involved fouling Leicester on Tuesday

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Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause admits that fouling Leicester City players formed a part of the gameplan which took them into the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

As per i News, Hause was honest about doing the ‘dirty’ side of the game and hopes that a similar plan can help Villa avoid relegation.

He said: “The gameplan was not to give them any respect, go up against them and foul them. Literally – to break up their play. It came from the manager but also us players. As soon as they looked like they were going to break through, bring them down, break up the play. It went spot on.

“We showed them too much respect at their place. Being aggressive… and fouling people is part of the game. That’s what you’ve got to do – the dirty side of the game. You’ve got to do it in every game, whether it’s Bournemouth, Man City or Liverpool – whoever.”

TBR’s View – Fair play to Hause for being so honest

It’s clear to most people who watch elite football that tactical fouling is part of the game.

Sometimes the accusation is levelled at elite managers – such as Pep Guardiola – and the response is usually indignation at such a suggestion.

But it’s clear to see it happens; as Hause says, part of a physical gameplan can be niggling fouls which stop the other team getting momentum.

Obviously it should never go too far and result in serious injury or a red card offence, and that was exactly what happened at Villa Park on Tuesday night.