Stiliyan Petrov says Aston Villa have let the fans down this season

11 May 2011 10:05
ShareStiliyan Petrov admits Aston Villa's players have let the fans down this season and not lived up to expectations.[LNB]Villa have finished in the top six of the Barclays Premier League in the previous three seasons but have only just ensured safety from relegation.[LNB]Skipper Petrov is calling on to squad to ensure it is one-off campaign but is hoping new signings will be brought in during the summer.[LNB] Big disappointment: Stiliyan Petrov admits Aston Villa have let down the club's fans this season[LNB]The Bulgaria international said: 'We need to make sure this season is only a one-off because, with the players and the quality we have got here, it has not lived up to expectations.[LNB]'We haven't performed this season and we know that it is down to us and nobody else.[LNB]'We have let the fans down, and we will not run away from that fact, and we have to make sure that we are right for next season.[LNB]'The last three seasons we have been sixth. This season we did not show what we are capable of and next season will be a big one for us. It has been a long and frustrating season.'[LNB]When asked if Villa should bring in any new signings, Petrov said: 'I think you need to ask the people who are going to be in charge that question.[LNB]Recovery: Petrov wants to see boss Houllier return as soon as possible[LNB]'If I become a manager then I can tell you. But seriously it is always nice to see new faces because every single team will try and strengthen.[LNB]'Every team will bring in new faces to make the team better and hopefully we can do that as well.'[LNB]Petrov is hoping manager Gerard Houllier will be fit to resume his duties after his heart problems but is aware his health has to be the number one priority.[LNB]He said: 'He is getting better and we hope it will not be long before we see him again but it is important that he puts his health first.[LNB]'It is nearly the end of the season and hopefully we will see it through and after that the people here will make a decision.[LNB]'I went to see him in hospital. We talked for a while but he is back home now and we will go and see him again and the most important thing for him is to have peace and relax.[LNB]'It is strange to see how much he loves football. We went to see him and all he talked about was football. He was frustrated he could not watch the Barcelona-Real Madrid game.[LNB]'That is typical of a man who loves football.'[LNB]Petrov has returned to the side in recent weeks after Houllier preferred Jean Makoun and Nigel Reo-Coker for a spell but is philosophical about his time on the sidelines.[LNB]He said: 'That is football. I am back in again but that is the way that football goes.[LNB]'I love football and at times you go through times like that and, as long as you keep working and stay competitive with your team-mates, that is the main thing. [LNB]'It is 20 players and a squad, not just 11 players.'[LNB]  Kop that! Liverpool set to beat United in race to land ?14m Villa ace Young Aston Villa, Birmingham and Everton in three-way fight for BambaChampions League clubs want me, claims Reo-Coker ahead of Villa talksAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion [LNB]  Explore more:People: Gerard Houllier, Stiliyan Petrov Places: Barcelona, Bulgaria

Source: Daily_Mail