Aston Villa brought in 10 players as they reshaped the squad, reducing its average age and wage bill after reaching the Europa League final last season. The transition was not immediate: they lost three of their first four Premier League matches, but recent results have suggested greater cohesion.
A 1-0 win away to Newcastle United on Saturday, secured by Johan Manzambi’s first-half header, was another sign of progress. Speaking after the match, Mings said the group was beginning to understand what Emery expected from them.
“I'm keen to reiterate that had the players of last year stayed, maybe we would have struggled to get going after a European success. There's no formula, is there, other than hard work, embrace the new players, embrace the new regime.
“The manager's excited. Players that were here before are excited and keen to stop talking about new players and old players as well. We are one group now, and the more experiences we have together, the more it feels like a group and a team and everybody understands what the manager wants.”
Mings was particularly pleased with the application shown by players who have arrived at different stages of the summer. He said the squad had to take responsibility rather than wait for the manager to enforce every standard.
“I'm super proud. Not only today's performance, but just the application of everybody. No matter when you joined the football club, the manager is a man that doesn't allow excuses, and everybody's really excited for what is to come.
“Of course we could have picked up a few more points, but this league is so difficult, and everything that we've done up until now, we can be super proud of. If you've seen the work on the training pitch, the application, you would understand.”
The defender also described a different atmosphere around the club as the players adapt to their new teammates.
“All I do know is that there definitely feels like a freshness around the training ground. It feels like the group has been oxygenated. Everybody is now looking forward and excited about what we can do with this group.”
Mings believes those who were already at Villa have a responsibility to help newcomers settle and maintain the club’s culture.
“Everybody who was here before, and it's kind of acting as a bridge between old and new, has to set the standard, drive training, show what the culture has always been, what the commitment every day looks like.”
Villa’s rebuilding project still requires patience, but the Newcastle result offered evidence that the squad is beginning to come together.