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Stevie has the Vill to succeed
Steven Gerrard is delighted with the progress Aston Villa have made under his management — but admits it will take time to get them where he wants.
Gerrard, 41, took charge at Villa Park in November following the sacking of Dean Smith.
With two games left to play this season, the Villans sit 14th in the Premier League table.
And while their boss is content with what has already been achieved, he has no intention of easing up.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Gerrard said: “I don’t think anyone thought I was going to come in and automatically change Villa into a top-four team in the first six months. That is unrealistic.
“It is a process. We are improving as quickly as we can but it will take time.
“It takes [transfer] windows, it is a patient process. It is not just going to change overnight.
“But I think we have got the ingredients here to become a really strong team in this league.”
Villa host Burnley tonight before heading to champions Manchester City on the final day of the season for a match Gerrard’s old side Liverpool will be desperate for him to win.
The finishing Tuch
Thomas Tuchel insists Chelsea are fully focused on finishing third in the Premier League.
The Blues host Leicester tonight on the back of losing the FA Cup final to Liverpool in a heartbreaking penalty shootout.
But Tuchel expects his troops to dust themselves off and get a result against the Foxes at Stamford Bridge to ensure closest rivals Tottenham cannot overtake them on the final day of the season.
The Chelsea boss, 48, said: “The whole season we were in position one, two or three, so it’s not a good moment to start being in fourth now.
“We still have to play for us, for our demands and our fans, and most importantly what we expect of ourselves.
“We are very happy we have secured a top-four place, this is the first target at the start of the season, but it’s two home games and we will do everything to win them for our feeling, our supporters and for a positive end to the season.”
Chelsea, who also lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool on penalties in February, bring the curtain down on their campaign with a home match against relegated Watford on Sunday.
Extra exposure
Saturday’s showdown between Southampton and Wolves for a place in the FA Women’s Championship will be streamed live by the BBC.
The match at Edgeley Park, the home of Stockport County, kicks off at 3pm and pits the champions of the FA Women’s National League South against the National League North title winners.
Southampton boss Marieanne Spacey-Cale said: “I’m hugely proud of what we’ve achieved this season.
“The fact we go into the play-off final as Southern champions and National League Cup winners is a testament to the unreserved commitment, mentality and work ethic of our exceptional players and staff.”
Wolves manager Daniel McNamara added: “When our season started our first aim was to stay in tier three.
“To be in the position we are now, potentially 90 minutes from reaching the elite level of the game is phenomenal.
“It’s a testament to the players and their application throughout what has been a very testing campaign. From the first whistle they’ve been a credit to the club.”
To watch the clash, head to the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer.
