Mellberg dismisses Merson coasting claims

Aston Villa central defender Olof Mellberg has dismissed claims by former skipper Paul Merson that too many players at the club are content to sit in a comfort zone in the middle of the Premiership.

Merson, who joined Portsmouth this week, felt that players were not ambitious enough for success and happy to finish between seventh and 10th in the league each season.

But Swedish international Mellberg does not believe that is a fair criticism from the often outspoken former England midfielder.

Mellberg told PA Sport: "That is his opinion but we are aiming at the top places in the Premiership.

"That’s my aim and part of the reason why I came to Aston Villa and also to play in Europe.

"I think it’s the same with other people as well at the club and the squad looks very good for what lies ahead.

"There is also a good atmosphere in the dressing room and we are all working hard to try and bring the club the success we all want.

He added: "Of course, we were disappointed to go out of the Intertoto Cup which means we won’t be playing in Europe during the new season.

"But I think we have a good chance of doing well in the Premiership if we can get off to a good start and show a little bit more consistency than last season.

"We want to do well in the league and also ensure that we qualify for Europe without having to try to do it through the Intertoto Cup."