Johan Lange facing Aston Villa sack after source's reveal - 'the fans won't accept it,' says pundit
Frank McAvennie has urged Aston Villa to replace Johan Lange.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said Lange has bought players he shouldn't have and claimed Unai Emery won't be happy if he stays.
On 6 March, sources told this site that Lange is worried the club's hierarchy are actively working to replace him.
The 43-year-old has been under increasing threat since Emery's appointment and the new boss is keen to bring in someone he can work closely with moving forward.
It is believed owners Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens are concerned with Lange's transfer record during his two-and-a-half-year spell at Villa Park and are looking to move towards a more sustainable model.
McAvennie insisted it is difficult for managers to work with people they disagree with.
"I think the manager has got to pick his own guy," he told Football Insider.
"Emery is a good manager, everything has got to go through him. If the sporting director has such a big influence then the manager will not like that. I think he will want to get his own guy in.
"I do not understand why the sporting director does not try to get on with the manager. It is a big club and you would want to stay there.
"I would think the sporting director has maybe bought a few players that he should not have and the manager does not like it.
"I would think there is only one winner and that is the manager. The fans will not accept if the manager goes and they keep the sporting director."