Ambitious and adored; Aston Villa will wish Christophe Galtier hadn’t turned them down

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The St Etienne coach’s rallying cry ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Europa League clash smacks of hope and ambition; traits missing at Aston Villa.

With the dissenting voices at Villa Park growing louder, a sixth defeat in seven games turning up the heat on the sweltering Steve Bruce, Christophe Galtier, the man who got away, is attempting to inspire his unfancied St Etienne team to an incredible Europa League comeback against Manchester United.

According to The Telegraph, the 50-year-old Frenchman turned down the chance to replace the ailing Tim Sherwood at Villa in October 2015 out of pure blind loyalty to his beloved Les Verts.

“It was not because it was a bad season for Aston Villa,” the coach, charismatic, charming and Eric Cantona’s best bud, explained. “It was because it was during the season.

“After I spoke to Aston Villa I was attracted to go to England. But I did not want to leave during the season and leave the club here in difficulty.”

In the time since he was appointed at the Stade Geoffrey Guichard in 2009, seven different managers have tried and failed to revive Aston Villa with Bruce the latest to swig from this poison chalice.

However, while Galtier’s infectious personality, his unbreakable bond with the fans sets him apart, it’s his ambition and fighting spirit that could have made him a hit in the Midlands. After all, ambition and fighting spirit are not characteristics you would associate with many Villa sides over the last decade or so.

“We have a huge but not insurmountable handicap. We will play in another big atmosphere. The stadium will be full. Besides, it’s been nearly full since December,” he said in quotes reported by the Daily Mail.

“We must respect our public. It is impossible for us not to put out the best team possible for as long as there remains hope of qualification. In a game, anything can happen.”

Galtier’s full-blooded approach has warmed the hearts of St Etienne’s fans, ensuring that every match is watched on by a sea of green. Meanwhile, Villa Park remains skeletal, empty and devoid of hope.