Steven Gerrard

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The onus is also on the manager to remain bold. The striker’s lack of composure in the box is becoming an increasing concern yet his harrying and running were key to Villa’s performance and Gerrard must surely keep faith. Villa were also guilty of missing the target, with Bailey heading against the bar and Watkins failing to react in time to control the former’s deep cross when left unmarked at the far post. The bigger picture is the problem and that must change soon. John McGinn might have sent his shot too close to the keeper but the follow-up save from Ramsey was truly special, the Chelsea man then saving a further effort from an offside Ings just for good measure. Instead, it is the collective body of work, amassed during nearly a year in charge that is the problem, most notably a record of just four wins in 21 matches stretching back to March and a return of nine points from the first 10 games of this season, which has them sat just a point and two places above the bottom three.

Gerrard has found himself under the pump this season with the mood among Villa fans having turned against him after a poor start that sees the club lie 16th ...

Indeed, Gerrard has struggled at times to find balance in his side, rarely settling on a team that gets the best out of array of attacking talent on offer to him and his staff. [Aston Villa](/sport/teampages/aston-villa.html)'s hierarchy has reportedly identified Mauricio Pochettino as a candidate to replace the increasingly under pressure Steven Gerrard as the club's manager. - Steven Gerrard has overseen poor start to the season and is under pressure

Aston Villa will attempt to lure Mauricio Pochettino to Villa Park if the club decide to part ways with Steven Gerrard in the coming weeks, the Telegraph ...

He may have impressed in talks, but spells in Germany and France weren’t entirely fruitful, so it is not a name that screams immediate success. Nuno Espirito Santo was last week linked with a shock return to the club, but Bosz is said to have impressed in interviews. The former Borussia Dortmund and Ajax manager is now deemed a strong contender to replace Bruno Lage, and his recent sacking by Lyon earlier this month has not damaged his reputation according to the paper. That being said, his loyalty may still be tested depending on whether other clubs make an approach for him, and two renewals within the space of 12 months would be difficult to go back on. If he can’t, then it would be time for Pochettino to weigh up his options. They face Fulham away on Thursday and Brentford at home on Sunday, two matches which could decide Gerrard’s fate, and if the former Rangers boss is dismissed then Villa will have an ambitious top target in Pochettino, the ex-Tottenham manager who left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is now favourite to be the next manager to get axed from the Premier League, replacing Ralph Hasenhuttl in the position ...

Although his odds have drifted slightly, he is now a best priced 3/1 to be the next manager to get sacked. "I heard a group singing from the Holte End, I'm aware of it all. "I'd be stupid not to be aware of where we're at and accept that.

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has been targeted by Aston Villa to succeed Steven Gerrard, who reportedly has two games to save ...

The 42-year-old, who quit [Rangers](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/rangers-fc) last November to succeed Smith, has vowed to keep fighting for his job amid calls for the sack from Villa fans. "But I have to accept it and try to do everything I can to change the way they are feeling. If the players can replicate the first hour of this performance, they won't have an issue. I won't hide from the criticism," Gerrard declared. But if Pochettino wasn't interested in a return to management or indeed the Premier League, Villa are keen to make other ambitious checks. Let us know your verdict in the With Villa languishing in 16th place, Gerrard is at risk of the sack ahead of two crucial games this week. It's added that if Pochettino were to show any interest in the post but didn't want to immediately commit his duties, club chiefs would likely be prepared to wait for his call thanks to his widely regarded standing as an elite coach. I heard a group singing from the Holte End, I'm aware of it all. Co-owner Nassef Sawiris is expected to lead any process, while partner Wes Edens, chief executive [Christian Purslow](http://Christian Purslow) and sporting director Johan Lange would weigh in. Have your say! [Paris Saint-Germain](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/paris-saint-germain) in June, having been given a shot in the Parc des Princes hot-seat off the back of his brilliant work with [Espanyol](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/espanyol), [Southampton](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/southampton-fc) and most notably, [Tottenham Hotspur](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/tottenham-hotspur-fc).

The former Rangers manager is under fire at Villa Park and could be sent packing to make way for another boss.

It's claimed [Gerrard](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/steven-gerrard) is entering 'the most critical week of his year in charge.' It was Purslow who was a big factor in tempting his current man away from It's caused unrest amongst the support at Villa Park and

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is the bookies' favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked.

The club are not keen to move Gerrard on until they have found a replacement, meaning he could be granted a stay of execution as their hunt pans out. "I was aware of all the shouts which came from behind the bench, but I don't think all of them were directed at me from a personal point of view. The club are said to be ‘prepared to move heaven and earth’ to convince the 50-year-old to join in what is a hugely ambitious attempt. The quartet are said to be prepared to wait for Pochettino if he shows an interest but have also cast their eye on coaches elsewhere. [Aston Villa](/latest/aston-villa-fc) are reportedly targetting an ambitious move to make [Mauricio Pochettino](/latest/mauricio-pochettino) their new manager as the club increasingly loses patience with current boss Steven Gerrard. Gerrard has overseen a poor start to the campaign for the Birmingham side, with the club sitting 16th in the division after picking up just nine points from their opening ten games.

And Wolves have reportedly interviewed former Lyon boss Peter Bosz as a candidate for their managerial vacancy.

Elsewhere, Chelsea’s pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has suffered a blow after Milan director Daniele Massaro said they would meet with the 23-year-old’s father at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday to discuss a new contract. The same newspaper says Wolves have interviewed former Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund boss Peter Bosz as a candidate for their managerial vacancy. The Daily Telegraph reports that Aston Villa are eyeing up former Tottenham and Paris St Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino, 50, as a possible replacement for Steven Gerrard, 42.

Speculation is growing that Gerrard could be sacked following a run of just one win in Villa's last seven games which has left them 16th in the Premier ...

But Souness believes Gerrard should be kept on because Villa performed well despite losing 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Sunday. Speculation is growing that Gerrard could be sacked following a run of just one win in Villa's last seven games which has left them 16th in the Premier League and just one point above the relegation zone. Steven Gerrard should be 'cut some slack' because Aston Villa played well in Chelsea loss, says Graeme Souness, as he backs under-fire manager to turn things around following dreadful run that sees them just above drop zone

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a candidate to succeed Steven Gerrard should the under-fire Villa boss fail to engineer a revival in fortunes.

“If we play as well as we did in games you are going to win quite a few. Gerrard was booed and heckled by a section of fans following Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea. The 50-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Paris St-Germain in July and was linked with Chelsea before their appointment of Graham Potter.

Thomas Tuchel has been heavily linked with the Aston Villa job in the event that Steven Gerrard is sacked from his post in the west Midlands after a poor ...

Tuchel will undoubtedly have a number of clubs after his signature so it's no surprise to see him being lined up with a new job already. But, the Villa communications director has since clarified that this is not the case, rubbishing said report. If you do, you shouldn’t." According to [the Telegraph](https://t.co/uCtOxaxxpN), former Tottenham Hotspur boss [Mauricio Pochettino has been identified as the primary candidate](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/tuchel-chelsea-shock-tottenham-move-25287724) to replace Gerrard. Despite Gerrard's side giving

Gerrard is under serious pressure at Villa Park right now following a miserable start to the season which has seen his side collect just nine points from ...

Every time I've spoken to you guys I've fronted up. 'I think I'd be stupid not to be concerned and aware of where we're at. If you do, you shouldn’t.' Jordan posted: 'How many times can you publish complete lies before people unfollow the account? Steven Gerrard is under serious pressure at Aston Villa after a poor start to the campaign - Steven Gerrard is under pressure at Aston Villa after a poor start to the campaign

And Wolves have reportedly interviewed former Lyon boss Peter Bosz as a candidate for their managerial vacancy.

[Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Wolves](/topic/wolves) have interviewed former Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund boss Peter Bosz as a candidate for their managerial vacancy. It will be the 41-year-old’s first full-time step into management. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. Elsewhere, Chelsea’s pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has suffered a blow after Milan director Daniele Massaro said they would meet with the 23-year-old’s father at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday to discuss a new contract. [Villa](/topic/villa) are eyeing up former Tottenham and Paris St Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino, 50, as a possible replacement for Steven Gerrard, 42.

Steven Gerrard could soon face the sack at Aston Villa, with the Premier League strugglers targeting Mauricio Pochettino to haul them out of a tough spot.

While in charge at Southampton, he engineered an eighth-placed finish, the season after the Saints had finished 14th. It is believed that those games will decide Gerrard’s future, and that a result in only one of them may not be enough. The only loss he suffered in those four games was to eventual title winners Manchester City. However, the Villans only managed to string consecutive victories together twice, following that point. More recently, they drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest, who were dead bottom of the table coming into the match. Gerrard has not quite lived up to expectation during his time at Villa Park.

Liam Coyle speaks exclusively to the ECHO about being Steven Gerrard's first captain, working with Pep Lijnders and dealing with his release from Liverpool ...

It was daunting being in a new place because I had always been at Liverpool but from the get-go, everyone has been brilliant with me; the staff and the players. It would mean while the likes of Jones, Woodburn, Brewster and Alexander-Arnold were all grasping chances within the senior game - whether that be on Merseyside or elsewhere - Coyle was constantly looking to make up for the lost time in a desperate attempt to make the grade at Liverpool. Coming out of the pandemic I didn’t know where I was going to end up. "At one tournament he was saying to me, 'I don’t think you’re ever going to be a centre-half' - but I had played centre-half for him quite a bit - and he was like, ‘I need you to play centre-half for me today, you’re not going to be a centre-half when you’re older. "We got told in the pre-season that a coach from Porto, Pep Lijnders, was going to be the new under-16s coach and all the sessions were going to be videoed and sent to him. "I remember going into the office and I just asked Alex what my future held at the club," Coyle says. I knew a lot of the lads at that time were having back injuries but I played the full 90 minutes because I was having a bad game I didn’t want to put my hand up and blame my back as an excuse. Some of the sessions he put on were unbelievable and you could just see how passionate he was about the game." I really enjoyed working with him and I think that was because we had similar values on the passion to win. "It was in that Spartak Moscow game and about ten minutes in, I remember the ball went over my head and I jumped for a header and flicked it on," Coyle tells the ECHO in an exclusive interview. Gerrard would primarily take up a freewheeling position until the end of the campaign, taking in training sessions and matches, while readying for his first position in the cut-throat industry of football management. "I never thought of it like that, his first captain," says Coyle with a euphoric grin, recalling the moment he first collaborated with Anfield legend Steven Gerrard.

The former Rangers boss is a man under pressure at Villa Park amid speculation surrounding Mauricio Pochettino.

I'm not a huge admirer of his but I do believe if Gerrard doesn't change where it's going and quickly, leading up to the World Cup, he'll find himself in a very difficult position on Kerry Street." He's been there for a year and I always thought it was a difficult job for him to take on, one fraught with risk, because I think the owners will be ambitious, the size of that football club will compel them to be ambitious. He comes with his own challenges, he's still going to have to work within a framework of what Pochettino is out of work and one of the things we always suggest is 'everyone's shouting for somebody out, who are you going to bring in?' I do believe Gerrard was held up and supported by a very capable coaching operation, you'll make the case one of them has disappeared to QPR and look how well they're doing. Gerrard's right-hand man was appointed QPR boss back in June and is already being linked with a step up the Premier League.

Rumours circulated yesterday evening after a website claimed Gerrard had been sacked by the club and would be replaced by Mauricio Pochettino or Unai Emery. The ...

There is a growing concern among the fanbase that the change in fortune won't happen. READ MORE: [Roy Keane questions one Aston Villa player after Chelsea defeat](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/villa-martinez-chelsea-keane-mount-25277259) [Villa player ratings vs Chelsea as Mount pours more misery on Steven Gerrard](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/aston-villa-chelsea-player-ratings-25276915) [All the latest Aston Villa news in one place](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) [Aston Villa punished for similar problems as Chelsea end unbeaten run](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/villa-gerrard-chelsea-watkins-ings-25277140) [Roy Keane slams Aston Villa player after 'disastrous' error against Chelsea](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-chelsea-mings-keane-25276633) READ NEXT MORE: [ Read what Ashley Preece had to say in his weekly chat with fans](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-gerrard-purslow-transfers-25282392)

Pictures emerged on social media on Monday night of Gerrard posing for pictures in the Bowring Park pub in Liverpool amid suggestions Villa had sacked him ...

If you do, you shouldn't.' In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Bowring Park denied Gerrard had been drinking heavily as had been suggested on social media and that he'd called in to meet up with relatives. Tweets emerged on social media on Monday night of Gerrard posing for pictures in the Bowring Park pub in Liverpool that suggested Villa had sacked him following poor results.

Aston Villa Communications Director Tommy Jordan has slammed talk that Steven Gerrard has been sacked as "complete lies".

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Steven Gerrard is under mounting pressure ahead of a huge game at Fulham on Thursday.

"He'll want to make sure that Villa turn this corner, and he'll want to be at the helm to do it. And they also do it when Villa are playing well as well, so they'll always be there for you, the Villa fans. I don't really like managers getting sacked, but inevitably, if you're having a bit of a stinker, the owners are going to think this isn't working. "So it's a difficult one to call from the outside. When they go down a goal, they can't seem to be able to pick their spirits up and go again. He said: "The only managers I can think of off the top of my head out of work [who would be good replacements] are Sean Dyche and Rafa Benitez.

With Steven Gerrard reportedly at risk of the sack at Aston Villa, The Sporting News looks at his record as manager of the Premier League club.

Meanwhile, Gerrard has overseen a net spend of £52m ($58.9m) according to figures from Transfermarkt, all while bringing in some big names including former Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho. Interestingly, during Gerrard's stint as Villa boss, his side have managed to score 45 goals but concede just 47. Those three clubs have seen their managers from the majority of that stint suffer different fates: Graham Potter left Brighton for Chelsea, West Ham's David Moyes has continued without undue pressure, and Bruno Lage was relieved of his duties by Wolves this month. Goals Conceded Goals Scored During that time, Villa have managed to record more wins than Leeds United, Everton and Southampton of all sides that have been in the league during both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.

With Steven Gerrard reportedly at risk of the sack at Aston Villa, The Sporting News looks at his record as manager of the Premier League club.

Meanwhile, Gerrard has overseen a net spend of £52m ($58.9m) according to figures from Transfermarkt, all while bringing in some big names including former Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho. Interestingly, during Gerrard's stint as Villa boss, his side have managed to score 45 goals but concede just 47. Those three clubs have seen their managers from the majority of that stint suffer different fates: Graham Potter left Brighton for Chelsea, West Ham's David Moyes has continued without undue pressure, and Bruno Lage was relieved of his duties by Wolves this month. Goals Conceded Goals Scored During that time, Villa have managed to record more wins than Leeds United, Everton and Southampton of all sides that have been in the league during both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.

Villa Press chief Tommy Jordan described a post from Football Insider as: "Complete lies" in the build up to a midweek card of Premier League fixtures with the ...

"There is no side of me that looks at Everton in that way. Howe told Chronicle Live: "It wasn't anything to do with Everton, it was just a bizarre moment. It was just one of those things and our motivation is just trying to win and continue our good form. And if you know inside what type of job you are doing I can live with it." McKechnie was jailed for six weeks for the offence after providing a demonstration about Just Stop Oil. But Howe feels that social media, rightly or wrongly, plays a part in modern-day management.

Rumours circulated yesterday evening after a website claimed Gerrard had been sacked by the club and would be replaced by Mauricio Pochettino or Unai Emery. The ...

The next two games against Fulham and Brentford are said to be crucial in the manager’s future, but Gerrard has been [backed by pundits to turn the season around](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tim-sherwood-aston-villa-gerrard-25290586). Watkins on the left, Ings through the middle and Bailey on the right with a midfielder three with legs and aggression. The team sit in 16th place in the [Premier League](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/premier-league) after their opening 10 games, winning two and losing five of those matches. The South American playmakers have only started one game together this season and have struggled to find their top form. The weekend’s 2-0 loss against Chelsea leaves Villa in 16th place in the table and with just two wins to their name so far this campaign. His team travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on Thursday night before hosting Brentford the following Sunday. [Philippe Coutinho](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/philippe-coutinho) and [Emi Buendia](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/emiliano-buendia) will be missing from [Steven Gerrard's](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/steven-gerrard) [Aston Villa](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) XI for the foreseeable future. [Aston Villa consider 'ambitious' move for Mauricio Pochettino amid Steven Gerrard struggles](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-consider-ambitious-move-25286537) [Steven Gerrard's 'biggest problem' at Aston Villa revealed following Chelsea defeat](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steven-gerrards-biggest-problem-aston-25285384) [Dion Dublin on Steven Gerrard's future, Ollie Watkins and his Aston Villa highs and lows](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-steven-gerrard-watkins-25285022) [Tottenham star explains controversial Argentina comments amid 'easy' Aston Villa claims](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tottenham-star-explains-controversial-argentina-25284454) [The latest Aston Villa news in one place](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) It has also been claimed that potential targets are already being eyed up should a decision over Gerrard’s position be made. [Villa](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham as part of a full set of midweek [Premier League](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/premier-league) fixtures. [Villa](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) boss is under growing pressure at [Villa Park](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/villa-park-stadium) with the next two games said to be crucial in the former midfielder’s future at the club. [Steven Gerrard](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/steven-gerrard) is finding himself under pressure at [Villa Park](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/villa-park-stadium) after a disappointing start to the season.

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho criticised by pundit Garth Crooks after Chelsea defeat.

Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Coutinho enjoyed a bright start to his Villa career last season but has registered just one goal or assist in his last 21 league games. [Steven Gerrard ](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/steven-gerrard)has come under increased pressure for his team’s performances this term, despite heading into the weekend’s game at Villa Park on a four-game unbeaten run. [comments section…](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-steven-gerrard-coutinho-25297075#comments-wrapper) Villa showed some attacking intent in the first half against Chelsea but BBC Sport pundit Crooks has identified a huge concern for Gerrard. [BBC Sport ](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63279726). [ The January transfer signing that could take Aston Villa back to the future](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/january-transfer-signing-could-take-25288705)

Aston Villa will move to appoint former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino if Steven Gerrard can't turn around the Birmingham club's flagging form, ...

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Villa have ambitious targets if they end up sacking Gerrard, but perhaps a more realistic option could join after the winter World Cup.

[strongly linked with the Denmark head coach](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-manager-next-odds-dean-smith-sacked-steven-gerrard-john-terry-1288735?ico=in-line_link) before appointing Gerrard, and could look at a temporary manager before attempting to convince Hjulmand to join after the winter [World Cup](https://inews.co.uk/topic/world-cup-2022?ico=in-line_link). [at Qatar 2022](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2022-qualifiers-list-who-qualified-qatar-when-line-up-complete-1298148?ico=in-line_link). [lost at Villa Park last month](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-vs-southampton-player-ratings-jacob-ramsey-goal-tyrone-mings-1861696?ico=in-line_link), and currently sit 18th in the table, meaning Villa’s hierarchy may be reluctant to hire the Austrian. [11 months ago](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/steven-gerrard-aston-villa-next-manager-announced-rangers-dean-smith-1295342?ico=in-line_link), with Christian Purslow key to convincing the former Liverpool captain to leave his role at Rangers. [improved team performance in the Chelsea defeat](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/steven-gerrard-aston-villa-thrilling-football-save-his-job-1915046?ico=in-line_link), he is odds-on to be the Premier League’s next sacking, and it seems he can ill-afford a negative set of results away at Fulham on Thursday and at home to Brentford on Sunday. [Steven Gerrard](https://inews.co.uk/topic/steven-gerrard?ico=in-line_link) after [two wins from their opening 10 league games](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-vs-chelsea-player-ratings-mason-mount-kepa-tyrone-mings-1914891?ico=in-line_link).

BirminghamLive brings you the latest Aston Villa news as Dion Dublin gives his thoughts on Steven Gerrard situation.

"He'll want to make sure that Villa turn this corner, and he'll want to be at the helm to do it. And they also do it when Villa are playing well as well, so they'll always be there for you, the Villa fans. I don't really like managers getting sacked, but inevitably, if you're having a bit of a stinker, the owners are going to think this isn't working. "So it's a difficult one to call from the outside. "Sing your songs, do what you've got to do, and let us know what you're thinking. When they go down a goal, they can't seem to be able to pick their spirits up and go again. And I would worry for Stevie if he loses his next two, which I'm sure Stevie will expect, and he won't shy away from those conversations either. He said: "The only managers I can think of off the top of my head out of work [who would be good replacements] are Sean Dyche and Rafa Benitez. They are not shy in letting you know how they feel, which is right for a football fan as long as it's done in the right way. I'm not quite sure, but they are the two I can think of out of work." But former striker Dublin thinks Benitez could be an option to replace Gerrard if he is sacked. "They're all good footballers, but they just can't come together to give good consistent performances.

Nathan: Most Villa fans wanted Gerrard to work. However stubborn tactics, belief in players that aren't putting work in and a disconnect with the fans have ...

However, I'm looking at the players, then looking at Gerrard and his staff and thinking, where is the motivation coming from? We need a more stable and experienced manager. Last year we looked like a promising team but we look a haunted group on the pitch.

The Midlands side are winless in three and currently lie 16th in the Premier League table, just one point off the relegation zone, despite signing Diego ...

I totally understand the situation we're in and how important it is to have a positive week.' 'A lot of improvements we tried to make in the last window are not available to help us at the moment. I want to be judged in the now as well. I have total trust and confidence and belief in myself and this group of players. obviously the outcome is a defeat but we'll certainly take the positives. We'll accept the outcome of the game because it is what it is...

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard under pressure with club 16th in Premier League, just a point above relegation zone ahead of Thursday nights match at Fulham ...

But we as a staff and me as his manager, will give him every bit of support he needs. "I'm a young manager, I get that, and this is a tough period, but it's a great challenge for me from a personal point of view. "It's still there. "I've had these periods before. "But you don't lose talent, you don't lose class and if we can get Phil back to the opening period of when he joined Aston Villa, he blew the roof off Villa Park, he blew everyone's imagination. "I'm here to fight and to lead every single minute of every day and I've got every confidence and belief in myself that I can change this situation.

Steven Gerrard is under mounting pressure ahead of two make-or-break games this week.

And he admitted that if results continue in their current trend, the club's owners could be forced to make a change. Villa have spent around £400million since 2019 to fund the ownership's aspirations to challenge for a place in Europe, and Gerrard was granted big names on big contracts ahead of the 2022-23 season. Gerrard is the firm favourite in the English top-flight's sack race amid a poor start to the season and faces two critical tests this week.