Lambert urges supporters to call off boycott as Villa prepare for Liverpool visit today
BIRMINGHAM: Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has pleaded with the club’s supporters to back rather than boycott his team in their Premier League match at home to Liverpool today.
Fans are planning to empty out the Holte End at Villa Park for the opening eight minutes of this weekend’s in protest at the Midlands club’s results and what they see as a lack of direction regarding their team’s future.
The eight minutes are to represent American owner Randy Lerner’s eight years of ownership of the club, with the proposed return to their seats for the remaining 82 minutes a nod to Villa’s greatest triumph — their 1982 European Cup success.
Villa are without a victory in their last six league matches, claiming three points from a possible 18 — and are the lowest scorers in all four divisions in England with just 11 goals.
“I understand the fans’ frustrations, but we’ll have a better chance of winning a game of football if they don’t do it, if they stick with the lads, no matter how hard it gets at times,” Lambert said.
“When the stadium is behind the players it’s a great place to play football, and we’ve a better chance of winning if they don’t do it.
“Whoever has planned it, I hope the guy next to them tries to keep them on their seat.”
Villa are struggling in central defence with Ron Vlaar (knee) and Philippe Senderos (calf ) both out injured while Ciaran Clark serves a one-match ban after he was sent off ay Leicester.
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted Dejan Lovren will prove his worth as he considers recalling the centre-back against Villa.
The Croatia international moved to Anfield from Southampton for a transfer fee in the region of £20 million but has struggled to find his form with the Reds.
A groin injury has meant Lovren has not started a game since Dec 17 at Bournemouth, although he returned as a half-time substitute in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Sunderland last time out.
“This whole year’s experience for him as a Liverpool player will benefit him. Over the coming months and years, he’ll show what a top player he is,” said Rodgers.