Aston Villa: Weather bothered me more than fans - Friedel

Nov 23 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

BRAD Friedel said he was more affected by the blustery weather than his stormy reception at Turf Moor after being caught out for Burnley’s opener.

Relentless downpours and swirling wind made conditions difficult for Friedel while abuse from the Clarets fans rained down on the former Blackburn goalkeeper.

“The conditions were against us in the first-half and we gave away a sloppy goal,” he admitted.

“We had a bit of a talking to at half-time and then went out and had the better of the conditions – with the wind at our back – and performed with a lot of energy and created quite a few chances.

‘‘Their goalkeeper made one or two good saves before Emile Heskey came up with a very good goal.

“The conditions were tough for everybody. Every time you looked up, you had rain blasting in your eyes and a swirling, gusting wind.

“It was tough to judge where the ball was going too – it was here, there and everywhere.

“But everyone has to deal with it at some stage in the season. That’s lovely sunny England – particularly here in the north”.

Friedel spent eight years with Burnley’s fierce Lancashire rivals Blackburn, but the veteran was not put off by the stick he received from the home fans.

“The barracking didn’t affect me,” he insisted.

“I am too old for all that. I actually enjoy playing in atmospheres like that.

“It wasn’t too hostile to be fair. A lot of people said hello when I arrived, had a go at me during the game and then said goodbye afterwards. So it’s okay.

“In the end I thought a draw was the right result. It was a good atmosphere in the dressing room after the game, much better than at half-time.”