Villa in the trenches - Lambert

Paul Lambert concedes there is added pressure on Aston Villa to survive in the Premier League because of their past history.

Last Updated: 09/03/13 at 10:43 Post Comment   

Lambert: Takes Villa to Reading on Saturday

Lambert: Takes Villa to Reading on Saturday

The Villa manager admits his players are in "an absolute war" in the fight to avoid the drop from the top flight, with a home match against QPR next weekend following on from Saturday's clash at Reading.

It is only just over 30 years since Villa won the European Cup and they are the fifth most successful club in the Premier League in terms of points accrued since its formation.

The likes of Reading and Southampton were amongst the favourites with bookmakers last summer to make an instant return to the Championship.

But demotion for Villa would cause shock waves similar to when Newcastle went down four years ago.

When asked if there is added pressure, Lambert said: "I think there is a touch of that because of the size of the club and the history.

"But you have to embrace that and not be frightened by it. I don't think you can hide behind it. You have to ready for it.

"I think as time goes on it (the pressure) gets cranked up. But it's something you have to thrive on and not let it frighten you.

"You have to be ready for it. I don't wilt under it, I meet it head on.

"Every game is massive in this league, it's huge, and you can stretch that back to the first day of the season.

"You have to try to win more games than not. They are huge games for us (against Reading and QPR), no-one can shy from that

"But they are games we go into with confidence that we can win them.

"We probably need to win four more games but everyone else will be saying the same. There's still 30 points to play for."

Lambert admits he had to scrap and fight to make his reputation in the game before becoming a European Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund and hopes the Villa players have the same attitude,

The Scot said: "I've had major disappointments as a player. Until I went to Germany I was playing hobby football. When I went to Germany, it became a real job.

"I had to up roots, take the bull by the horns. I didn't have a contract, I didn't have anywhere to go. That's why I went to Dortmund. I had to go on trial.

"I am not just sat here having been born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Everything I have always had to earn.

"I wouldn't put that pressure on them (the players). They are giving us everything they have anyway. But you don't realise what you've got until it's not there.

"That's one thing I would say. You have to earn the right in football. It doesn't get given to you - even the top players and top managers.

"You have to appreciate what you have here. It is an unbelievable place to work. A lot of them have been brought through the ranks so they don't know any differently.

"The only thing they probably know is they are in absolute war now and you have to see it through. They are going to have to fight for every point."

Lambert has spoken with acting skipper Ciaran Clark after his error gifted Manchester City the winner at Villa Park on Monday.

He said: "Ciaran is alright. I spoke to him after the game on Tuesday. I had a chat with him but he's been great for us. He'll be better for it in a stupid, roundabout way.

"It would be different if he was going around making mistake after mistake.

"He tried something because his confidence was extremely high with the way the game was going, but I'm pretty sure he won't try anything like that again."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Gill expecting Rooney to stay

Manchester United chief executive David Gill insists he is "confident" that Wayne Rooney will remain at the club next season.

Monaco confirm the signings of FC Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez

Monaco have confirmed the signings of FC Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez for a combined fee of €70million.

Phelan and Steele leave United

Manchester United are to part company with assistant manager Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved