Steven Gerrard has laid down the gauntlet to his Aston Villa players as he looks to continue his exciting recruitment drive in this transfer window and the next.
Gerrard has added Champions League-pedigree players in Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, while Swedish No.1 Robin Olsen has bolstered Villa's goalkeeper ranks. Highly-rated centre-back Kerr Smith, deemed a future first-team star at Villa Park, has also joined from Dundee United.
As for Gerrard, he has set his sights firmly on improving every department within his squad and wants a big squad to help bring silverware back to B6.
"We need to strive as a club to make sure we have more fixtures so, moving forward, we need to make sure we finish this season as best as we can but, next season, we must make sure we have longer runs in the domestic cups," Gerrard outlined.
"We also need to strive to bring European football here, eventually, so I'm hoping that the fixture list becomes busier and more hectic so there's more game time to dish out around the squad.
"The players also have to accept the fact that I'm going to try and improve this club in every single department so, if someone arrives in your position, you're going to have to accept it, take the challenge and fight for game time.
"The best players play at the end of the day, that's no secret."
The head coach is now targeting a big jump up the Premier League table with fixtures against Everton, Leeds, Newcastle, Watford, Brighton and Southampton to come.
Gerrard has won four, lost four and drawn once across his nine Premier League matches in charge, while he's also spoken of his disappointment of being knocked out of the FA Cup by Man United.
On his 10-game start at Villa, he said: "The results are there for everyone to see. We need to start games better and see it through to the end. We're really disappointed that we're out of the FA Cup. We wanted a really long run in that. That was clear.
"But I'm really happy with the performances, but I'm disappointed with the results.
"From a league point of view from the fixtures we've faced, I'm satisfied with the performance levels and what the players have given but the aim is to improve on where we are.
"We've got a run of fixtures from now until the middle of March where we're playing teams that are in and around us in the league so we see that as a real opportunity to put a real run of results together to move us up the table.
"That's got to be mine and our players' sole focus now."
As for Gerrard himself, the 41-year-old is moving closer to the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground, while admitting he's finally settled in after what's been a whirlwind 10 weeks in the hot seat.
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"I'm really happy, I feel settled," he said. "I've had an incredible welcome and I feel like I've found my feet.
"I know a lot more about the club, the structure, resources and relationships with people have started to build and grow.
"I feel like I know the players an awful lot better. I'm getting used to the league as well, I know I played in it, but it changes over time.
"There has been a lot of things going on. I do feel much more settled. I've just got keys to my new place, I'm about to move in soon so it's only getting better!"
The boss looks set to be without Ezri Konsa (hip) for tomorrow's trip to Everton, while a decision over whether Philippe Coutinho starts or comes off the bench will be made later.
On Coutinho's fitness, Gerrard added: "He's a little bit fitter and stronger with more training sessions under his belt. I'm sure he'll also benefit from the 30-minute cameo he got (vs Man United) and we'll decide what we'll do with Phil up at Goodison tomorrow now."
Elsewhere, Jaden Philogene-Bidace will join Stoke City on loan for the remainder of the season, while No.1 goalkeeper Emi Martinez has signed a new, long-term deal up until 2027.
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On Martinez's contract, Gerrard outlined how the Copa America winner "will help me attract more talent".
"In everyone’s opinion, he’s right up there with the best in the world," Gerrard said. "We need to look after him and we need to keep him here because I’m sure he’ll win us many points moving forward.
"For us to go on this journey and get to the destination we all want to get to you need as many good footballers as you can around. He’s above good - we know that – he’s operating at a world class level so it is a statement and having his services here will help me attract more talent and also to retain the talent we've got in the door.
"It is a big move from the club and we've worked really hard in the background to make this happen. Credit again to the owners, to Christian (Purslow, CEO) and to Johan (Lange, Sporting Director) because they've worked just as hard in the background themselves to make sure this works."
