Steve Bruce claims Tony Xia has told him that his job at Aston Villa is safe.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has revealed to The Telegraph that owner Tony Xia has sent him a message of support ahead of this evening’s clash with Newcastle United.
Villa head to St. James’ Park this evening in search of a positive result having made a disastrous start to 2017, losing six of their seven league games – and even in the game where they picked up a point, they led 2-0 at home to Preston North End before drawing 2-2.
After just two defeats in his first 13 games as Villa boss, Bruce had dragged Villa back into contention for a play-off place, but the torrid recent form has ended any lingering hopes of a top six place.
Tuesday’s 3-1 home defeat to Barnsley coupled with results this weekend have left Villa a whopping 22 points off the Championship play-off places, and just six points clear of the relegation zone.
Villa fans are now nervously looking at the bottom three after the recent poor results, and manager Bruce is now under pressure – just four months after he was appointed as Roberto Di Matteo’s replacement.
It seems unlikely that Villa would sack Bruce so quickly, but Di Matteo lost his job after just 12 games in charge, meaning Bruce does need a result quickly – starting with tonight’s trip to take on promotion-chasing Newcastle United.
Aston Villa owner Tony Xia
Ahead of the game, Bruce has revealed to The Telegraph that owner Tony Xia has sent him a message of support, suggesting that his job is safe for the immediate future at least.
Bruce admitted that he has made mistakes during his time as Villa boss, but he is convinced that he can turn it around, adding that it’s just six weeks ago that he was the saviour for Villa fans.
“He has messaged me his support,” said Bruce when asked about Xia. “I think he is desperate for me to turn it round. He understands. What we don’t understand is the run we are on. But I will turn it around. I need time and, of course, I need a few results. But six weeks ago I’m the saviour and now it’s off with his head. That’s how it is these days. Of course I have [made mistakes]. I’m determined to see it through and I’m convinced I’m the right person for this job,” he added.
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