Aston Villa manager Remi Garde has banned his players and staff from speaking French in the changing room.

The Villans brought in four players from France over the summer - Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Amavi, Jordan Veretout and Jordan Ayew - but the former Lyon boss wants his entire squad to communicate in English.

"We are in England - we need to settle in and adapt. They have to, they are not playing for French teams anymore or in France - it is over," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"They have to learn English quickly. I don't want anyone speaking French in the dressing room.

"It is very important we understand each other but as well it is important the English players speak slowly sometimes at the beginning - everyone has to make an effort to be a team."

Former Arsenal midfielder Garde watched from the stands as Villa were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, a result that left them rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.