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Koeman states case for Villa job

Ronald Koeman feels he has the tools required to turn Aston Villa into a genuine force © Getty Images

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Ronald Koeman has reaffirmed his interest in managing Aston Villa and believes he could take the club into the Champions League.

Despite beating West Ham 3-0 in their opening Premier League game, Villa have struggled under caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald, losing 6-0 to Newcastle last weekend before being dumped out of the Europa League by Rapid Vienna.

United States boss Bob Bradley is considered high on the list of contenders for the full-time role, but Koeman feels he could take the club back to their former glories.

"In Holland, we have always viewed Villa as an important club with a tradition of being powerful in Europe when I was younger, so I would be very interested in managing them if the job was offered to me," he told the Daily Express. "Even though the last two results have been painful blows, I also saw them take West Ham apart 3-0 and I enjoyed the playing style.

"One of the things I'd bring to Villa if I was in charge is the idea that winning is important in football, but winning while playing offensive football is the best of all. I love English football because of its brilliant atmosphere, intensity of the competition and the culture of respect that fans and players have for the game.

"I have been holding off and turning down offers simply because I want to coach in England, and where better than Villa Park?"

He added: "Villa have the perfect blend of talented young English players and experienced continental footballer, so I see no reason why they could not qualify for Champions League football next season.

"I've coached in Holland, Portugal and Spain and not only won trophies each time, but taken sides to the latter stages of the Champions League. I'd like to match that with Villa if the job becomes available."

Koeman's latest role was in charge of Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar, which ended in December 2009 after a spell of poor form. He has previously managed Ajax, Benfica, PSV and Valencia.

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