Steven Gerrard has insisted that he will never call for more time at Aston Villa, suggesting that pressure goes with the job at the Premier League club.
For a number of weeks, it has been claimed that the Englishman is under pressure to retain his role in the dugout at the West Midlands outfit.
That is despite Villa putting together a four-match unbeaten streak in the top flight, a run which started with a 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Since then, a drab 1-0 win over Southampton has been followed by draws away at Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, still leaving Villa in 16th spot in the standings.
At one stage earlier this week, it appeared that Gerrard may lose his job at Villa, but the powers-that-be have instead kept the Liverpool legend in the dugout for Sunday's Premier League encounter against Chelsea.
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Despite acknowledging that there are high expectations of him at Villa Park, Gerrard has acknowledged that he "loves" the pressure which goes hand in hand with the job.
Gerrard told reporters: "I came here with big expectations for myself and a lot of belief. There should be expectations on me and this group. I'm only fine with that if it is realistic.
"We continue to try to be the best we can be and move up the league. Expectations and pressure are all part of the job. We have got owners and a board that are extremely ambitious, that's the pressure I've got, and I love it.
"We're competing in the most brutal and tough league out there. I can't demand time or keep asking for it, I have got to deliver. The quicker I can do it, the better."
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Gerrard was also quizzed on the negative reaction from the club's supporters to the stalemate at Forest, admitting that he wants to change people's opinions as soon as possible.
He added: "We respect and appreciate the fans, of course we do, we always have. After the last game, we don't bury our head in our hands, we listen to it.
"I have got a job to do, to prepare the team and focus on what I can control. I prepare our game plan the best I can and try and prove people wrong. Obviously we are underdogs at the weekend but for me it's a really exciting opportunity to go and prove people wrong."
In 38 matches in charge of Villa in all competitions, Gerrard has recorded just 13 wins and suffered as many as 17 defeats.
Darren Plant
