Friedel - No time for friendship

Keeper out to upset Hughes

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th August 2008

Brad Friedel Aston Villa shirt

Friedel: Seeking perfect start

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Brad Friedel will put friendship to one side when he makes his Premier League debut for Aston Villa against Manchester City on Sunday.

The American keeper is set to come face-to-face with Mark Hughes at Villa Park, his former boss during his time with Blackburn.

Friedel admits that he has nothing but respect for the City coach, but will be doing all he can to ensure that the Welshman endures a disappointing start to the 2008/09 campaign.

Difficult

"Knowing Mark very well he will have all their guns blazing," said the veteran shot-stopper.

"I have all the time in the world for Mark and his staff, they are tremendous people to work for but for 90 minutes we won't be friends, so to speak.

"It will be a difficult first game but we are at home and we are going to work as hard we can to get three points.

"I am glad to be at Villa. Villa Park was always my first choice and as soon as I saw the set-up here it wasn't a difficult decision."