Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

'I won't hide away... I won't feel sorry for myself... We're better than when I took over': Steven Gerrard comes out fighting for his job at Aston Villa on first appearance after trip to the pub and viral 'sack' claims

Steven Gerrard launched a stern defence of his Aston Villa tenure in his first media appearance after his trip to the pub amid viral claims he had been sacked.

The struggling Midlands side are winless in three and currently lie 16th in the Premier League table, just one point off the relegation zone, despite signing Diego Carlos, Philippe Coutinho, Leander Dendoncker and Boubacar Kamara this summer.

And Gerrard, who is coming up to a year in charge at Villa Park, insisted he won't 'hide away' or 'feel sorry for himself' as he fights for his job ahead of a crucial clash with promoted side Fulham at Craven Cottage on Thursday night.