Aston Villa: Nigel Reo-Coker told not to spill the beans on spat with Martin O'Neill
Sep 22 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
“I think we have made very good progress in the last couple of years but now we will try to aim for something higher, to try and get silverware and I hope we can do it this season,” said Petrov.
“I think people expect more from us. We know the expectation from last season, the pressure, and we are ready to fight again and handle that pressure.
“Every player wants to win things. That’s what we are fighting for and the fans want to see the team does well.”
Petrov expects O’Neill to mix-and-match his team for Villa’s cup ties and insists it is a chance for the fringe players to stake their claims for first-team places.
“He will rotate,” added Petrov. “We’ve got cup games and league games. Games that will come quickly, especially Christmas-time, so it is up to the manager how we rotate.
“We’ve got players to bring in now and we will be just as strong and everyone is prepared to play. Even those not playing will be working to get their chance.”
Gabby Agbonlahor admits that Villa have not taken the Carling Cup seriously in recent seasons and should follow the example of Manchester United and Chelsea.
“We want to push on in the cup,” said Agbonlahor.
“We have struggled in the cup in recent years and we are looking to improve that.
“We want some silverware. The big teams like Chelsea and Manchester United take the cup seriously even though they are in the Champions League, so we are taking it seriously.
“The Carling Cup, the FA Cup, you never know. The FA Cup especially, teams from the Championship have reached the latter stages so we’ve got a chance in the cups.
“We have struggled in the Carling Cup in recent years. Maybe we haven’t taken it seriously but we are trying to put that right this season.
“Cardiff have made a good start but look at the way we are playing.”
Emile Heskey will sit out tonight’s clash against Dave Jones’ Bluebirds with an ankle problem sustained against Portsmouth but is expected to be fit for the weekend’s league trip to Blackburn.
