Whelan verdict on Aston Villa sacking Steven Gerrard after source’s reveal today
Noel Whelan has urged the Aston Villa players to “fight” for their under-pressure boss Steven Gerrard amid calls for him to be sacked.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 42-year-old has the qualities to launch a fightback if he can “galvanise” his squad.
Aston Villa have picked up just three points from their first four games and face Arsenal and Man City in the next week.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (29 August) that Gerrard’s position as manager is far from secure and the club’s ambitious American owners won’t hesitate to sack him if results do not improve.
Villa chiefs are lining up Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino as potential replacements should the Liverpool icon depart.
Gerrard led the Midlands giants to a 14th-place finish last term and has been backed heavily in the market once again this summer.
Whelan urged the Villa stars to show some “grit and determination” ahead of a tricky double header.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s really difficult for him right now.
“These are two of the hardest games to play when you’re not winning football matches.
“But Steven Gerrard is a fighter and someone who can rise to the challenge.
“However, the players have got to show that same grit and determination to go out there and overturn the odds.
“You can’t hide out there, it’s a big pitch. Now it’s time for the players to stand up and be counted for the sake of their manager.
“If anyone’s got something in him to galvanise his players and turn things around, it’s Gerrard.
“The players have got to fight for the manager now and show that they’re worthy of wearing the shirt.”
In other news, Football Insider updates Aston Villa reach agreement in principle to sign Premier League ace.