Postecoglou decided to rest many of his key players ahead of their upcoming Europa League final, giving them a chance to gain match experience and test their readiness.

After the loss, Postecoglou praised his team's hard work and discipline, stating that they defended well despite being on the back foot.

He noted that his team had moments of attacking opportunities, but their energy levels waned after Aston Villa scored their first goal, making it difficult for them to regain momentum.

Postecoglou highlighted the importance of getting match minutes into players who have been out of action for a while, such as Son Heung-min Son and Wilson Odobert, saying that it was crucial for their preparation for the Europa League final.

Postecoglou was particularly impressed with Odobert's performance in the middle of the field, feeling that he showed good awareness and created opportunities for his team.

He acknowledged that Odobert struggled with his finishing, but was pleased that he was able to get significant match time, which could be beneficial for the team's midfield in the upcoming game.