A defiant Steve Bruce came out fighting in his pre-match press conference before a crucial game away to Championship leaders Newcastle on Monday evening.
Bruce’s Villa side have failed to win in nine matches with their last success coming on Boxing Day against Burton Albion with the Villains scoring just five goals in eight games.
Speaking to the press ahead of his side’s game at St James’ Park on Monday, Bruce said:
I will turn it around. I’m absolutely convinced. 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. It’s how it is now but I am the man for the job and I’m still relishing the challenge. It’s more difficult than I thought it would be, yes, but I’m up for it.
Bruce made eight signings in the January transfer window which included Barnsley dup Conor Hourihane and James Bree, plus Brentford striker Scott Hogan.
However, the new faces have failed to halt a concerning dip in form which leaves the Villa languishing in 16th place, just seven points above the relegation zone.
Bruce’s side must recover from back-to-back home defeats to Ipswich Town and Barnsley as they face Rafa Benitez’s side live on Sky Sports on Monday night.
The manager was, however, hopeful that Mile Jedinak would recover from a groin injury which has kept him out of action for five games, adding:
We’ve missed his presence and we’ve missed his leadership skills a bit. Hopefully he might return on Monday. We’ve certainly missed him in the last three or four weeks and we are hoping to get him back out on the pitch.
