Mellberg Makes No Excuses

Team captain Olof Mellberg says Villa shouldn't have to look at who is below them in the league and that the only way is up!

The Swedish international defender told the official site 'We shouldn't be concerned at what is behind us in the table and I don't think it is a good thing to look back. You should always be looking upwards and at what is ahead of you, no matter where you are. We aren't looking at the bottom of the table too much and we have to aim for the top half of the table.'

Villa are currently 15th in the league following their worst start in over three decades. They have rallied of late but suffered a set back with a dire performance in a 2-1 loss to West Ham last weekend.

Mellberg admits: 'We had a poor start to the season and we have let ourselves down on too many occasions this season, especially at home. The fans should expect a lot from us at Villa Park. In previous seasons we have done really well at home - but we need to improve this season. If you start to lose one or two games at home maybe you tend to get a bit nervous, as do the fans who want to see us win. '

He also doesn't duck the flak or make excuses like our manager. One thing you can guarantee from Mellberg, he'll say it like it is!

'We were confident at the start of the season and we have got the same squad apart from a few injuries. It is a strong squad. We have quite a few options at the back now, both in the middle and on the flanks. The same goes all over the park.'