Remi Garde says fans have right to protest over Aston Villa's plight
Friday 26 February 2016 15:48, UK
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde understands the fans' desire to protest but is urging them not to distract the team.
Supporters are planning to walk out during the 74th minute of their next three home matches with Villa facing the realistic prospect of relegation from the Premier League for the first time.
They are bottom of the table and eight points from safety ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke.
The fans, who are said to be upset at the perceived lack of direction at the club, have chosen the time to signify the year Villa were founded in 1874.
"I can understand. It's such a painful situation, such a painful season, that everybody who loves this football club has to cope with," said Garde.
"Fans are fully part of this situation we have to deal with. If they want to protest what can I say? What can I do? I have only been here for four months and this protest is probably the result of years.
But Garde added he hopes the protesting won't affect his team's chances of success during the forthcoming matches.
"I would prefer if this kind of demonstration takes place outside the game while we still have the possibility to win games for survival," he added.
"My job is to believe we can still win games. And the best way to win games is to prepare the team well and make sure the players have the full desire to win.
"Then we need the support of the fans. But I haven't got any advice to give to fans who have followed this club for years."
It'll be the second protest from fans in the Premier League this month, after Liverpool supporters walked out of their 2-2 draw with Sunderland in protest over ticket prices for next season.
The Reds were 2-0 up at the time before shipping two late goals and Garde, who remains without the banned Jordan Ayew and injured Jack Grealish, conceded fans' actions could have similar consequences for his side.
He said: "It's difficult to affirm, it's difficult to say 100 per cent but you can imagine it had an effect."
