Source: Team_Talk
MacDonald stays focused on next game
Kevin MacDonald admitted Aston Villa's Europa League exit "may have an influence" on whether he lands the manager's post on a permanent basis.[LNB] But MacDonald insists his immediate priority is to try to lift the players for Sunday's clash with Everton after seeing them lose 4-3 on aggregate to Rapid Vienna.[LNB]MacDonald expects "nothing to change" regarding his own position until after the meeting with David Moyes' side.[LNB]Villa twice led through Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey and also saw a Stiliyan Petrov penalty saved as the Austrians made it through with three second-half goals from Atdhe Nuhiu, Mario Sonnleitner and Rene Gartler.[LNB]When asked if losing was a major blow to his hopes of securing the post, MacDonald said: "It may have an influence. But I must stress it is the media who have put me up as first choice.[LNB]"I have never been told I was first choice and expect nothing to change until after the game on Sunday.[LNB]"It is a big blow for Aston Villa to go out of Europe again. A lot of the lads were disappointed to go out last season.[LNB]"It is a major blow for them. They are professional footballers and proud of what they do.[LNB]"My own position is not uppermost in my thoughts 10 minutes after a game. It is not about me but how the players and the football club react on Sunday."[LNB]MacDonald admitted Villa paid the penalty for silly mistakes as Rapid repeated last season's success in knocking out Villa at the same hurdle.[LNB]He said: "I am very disappointed. We were in total control at 1-0 and gave away a silly equaliser.[LNB]"We also missed a penalty and gave away a silly third goal. We made three silly mistakes and we are out of the tournament.[LNB]"You can't legislate for individual mistakes from international players.[LNB]"But as a group we score goals and we will accept responsibility for mistakes as a group as well."[LNB]Vienna coach Peter Pacult described the victory as one of the best of his career.[LNB]He said: "It feels great to beat Villa for the second year running. It is the most emotional success I have had as a manager.[LNB]"I was actually disappointed with the draw because it meant we had to beat a Premier League side again.[LNB]"But we produced a top-class performance, an international performance, and I am delighted with the results."
