‘I won’t feel sorry for myself’ – Under-pressure Steven Gerrard insists Aston Villa are BETTER than when he took over

STEVEN GERRARD insists he “won’t feel sorry for himself”; after coming under fire at Aston Villa.

But the Liverpool legend insists Villa are BETTER than when he took over.

Gerrard, 42, has been in charge of the Midlands side for almost one year after replacing Dean Smith.

He guided Villa to a 14^th place finish last season before embarking on a mega summer of spending.

Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos and Leander Dendoncker were just some of the big-name signings to join.

But Villa have been disappointing so far this term, winning just two of their 10 league games.

It’s reckoned clubs chiefs are now exploring their options after Villa lost 2-0 to Chelsea on Sunday.

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is rated after his Paris Saint-Germain exit.

And there are also bold plans to speak with ex-Chelsea Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.

But Gerrard is remaining calm, insisting he won’t waste time feeling sorry for himself.

The former England star also believes Villa are in a far better position than when he took over.

And Gerrard hopes he will be granted time to turn things around.

Gerrard said: “I won’t feel sorry for myself. We’ll accept the outcome of the game because it is what it is... obviously the outcome is a defeat but we’ll certainly take the positives.

“Yes I do (think we’re better than when I started, in November 2021). I have total trust and confidence and belief in myself and this group of players. It’s well documented we’re missing big players at the moment.

“A lot of improvements we tried to make in the last window are not available to help us at the moment.

“I believe we might have been in a healthier position with that support, but they’re on the way back. I think that’s a positive.

“Every coach and manager you speak to will always speak about time, but I’m not going to hide away from anything.

“I want to be judged in the now as well. I totally understand the situation we’re in and how important it is to have a positive week.”;