Soccer-Time to 'walk the walk', Aston Villa boss Gerrard tells players

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Walsall v Aston Villa - Bescot Stadium, Walsall, Britain - July 9, 2022 Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard before the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

(Reuters) - Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has challenged his team to step up their game and aim for a top-half finish after receiving the backing of the Premier League club's owners in the transfer market.

Villa have signed five players, including Philippe Coutinho on a permanent transfer from Barcelona, in the close season as they look to better their 14th-placed finish from last year.