Aston Villa are worse off since I left, says Paul Lambert

Paul Lambert has suggested there are deep-rooted issues at his former club Aston Villa, who are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just one win this term.

Lambert - who was appointed Blackburn Rovers boss last month - spent almost three years as Villa manager before he was sacked in February of this year following a run of 10 matches without a victory.

Remi Garde has stepped into the Villa Park hot-seat after Lambert's replacement Tim Sherwood was sacked last month, but the 46-year-old Scot admits the ex-Lyon boss has his work cut out to keep Villa in the Premier League.

"It's probably got worse [since I left]. I think they have spent more money as well - that is probably why people are finding it hard to understand," Lambert told Sky Sports News HQ.

"They have spent a lot of money and are still worse off and I think that there is something wrong there. It can't just all be the players' and the manager's fault. I think there are some other things wrong there.

"I loved my time there, I really did. It was really tough but due to the finances, that was the best I could do there and we stayed in the league which was the most important thing.

"It's just a shame the way the club has gone at the minute but that's one that is not my problem any more, and they will know exactly what they have got to go and try and do.

"Remi has come in at a very difficult time and has found some problems that I incurred as well, probably a little more. Hopefully he can get them out of that position - but it will be tough."

Lambert was speaking to Sky Sports News HQ on Christmas morning as he put his Blackburn players through their paces ahead of hosting Championship leaders Middlesbrough at Ewood Park on Boxing Day - although the match was later postponed due to heavy rain.

He added: "During the festive period, you have to train and obviously we have a very difficult game tomorrow so the lads will train in the morning and come in and play tomorrow before we go to Bolton on Monday.

"But it's a massive game [against Middlesbrough]. We're up against a team who are in really good form but we are playing well ourselves at this minute in time and we'll try everything we can to win the game.

"I know how hard it is but if we play the way I want and we do create chances and we do score, then we do have a chance. We're under no illusion how hard it is but we are at home and we'll try and get on the front foot and try and win it."