Gerrard: I’ve felt nothing but support from owners

STEVEN S GERRARD has held talks with Aston Villa’s ownership ahead of tonight’s match at Fulham that could prove decisive d for his position. Gerrard is under pressure after Villa’s disappointing start to the campaign despite a £52million net n spend in the transfer market — yet two key signings, Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara, are a sidelined with injuries. Despite the improved display in the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea last Sunday, Villa’s next two fixtures — they play Brentford on Sunday — look pivotal for Gerrard. He has held conversations with the ownership in the past week, as well as sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Christian Purslow, though not about his position.

‘I’ve felt nothing but support from Johan, Christian and the owners,’ said Gerrard. ‘I’ve spoken to them all within the last seven or eight days and the noise and the pressure doesn’t get mentioned. It’s very much talking about our performances, where we are and how close we’ve been to being in a better place in the league. ‘Everyone’s on the same page, we’ve been aligned since the first day, so I’m not going to plead for this or that.’ Fulham and Brentford are exactly the sort of teams the owners will expect to leave behind, given their investment. Since promotion, billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have spent over £500m on transfers. Given that backing, and the demand for ‘continuous improvement’ that led Dean Smith to be sacked in November, Gerrard is skating on thin ice. The majority of fans have turned against him and perhaps only two convincing wins would keep the ship afloat.

‘It’s tough at the top,’ Gerrard acknowledged. ‘I’ve been through these periods before so know that if you change your results it’s a completely different situation within days. ‘I know we’re better than where we’re sitting in this league.’