Villa boss not sleeping well

Last updated : 01 March 2016 By Footymad

Garde has been unable to revive Villa's fortunes since replacing Tim Sherwood as manager at the start of November, winning just two Barclays Premier League matches.

Defeat against Stoke at the weekend was Villa's 17th league loss this season and leaves them firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.

On the face of it, Garde's team are no worse off than when Saturday's fixtures began - still eight points from safety

But the manner of the defeats is alarming, with Garde himself admitting that Villa lack the quality to score enough goals.

Even a point at the Britannia Stadium would have given Villa a lift and a psychological edge heading into Tuesday night's home game with Everton.

But it was another defeat, more self-mocking from the fans, further chants against owner Randy Lerner and a protest planned for the fixture at Villa Park.

"I am not sleeping very well, as you can guess," said Garde.

"I never relax, I am always watching football into the night. I am fully focussed on that. I will try to analyse what I need to do, what I can change.

"There are so many aspects of the game - psychologically, tactically, physically, technically. I try to adapt what I saw in the game, when I watch the game again, of course, like every game.

"I try to do my best in my position but it is difficult."

Asked if he was finding it hard to continue in the job, the Frenchman said: " No,no. It's difficult, but no way do I intend to leave this job, this position

"You have difficult situations in life and you have to cope. I'm strong enough to do so and this is not a question for me

"I am focussed on this and when that is not the case then I am no longer in football."

Garde insists Villa need to improve at both ends of the pitch if they are to have any chance of earning a vital victory against Everton

He said: "It's a tremendously important game. Picking up the three points would be vital for us

"Saying that, we know that Everton is a very good side - a very dangerous team with many qualities up front to score goals

We will need the perfect game defensively and then we will need to be more threatening offensively."

Source: PA