Intro:

Aston Villa head coach Paul Lambert discussed his team's recent troubles and this weekend's opponent, Tottenham Hotspur, on Friday (31st October).

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Paul Lambert, Aston Villa manager (On meeting the fans this week):

"The turn out was great and it's important that the players and fans stick together through good and bad times. You also know that you're opening yourself up a little bit for it, but that can happen in the street. It doesn't need to be in the stadium. When you go through hard times you have to stick together and pull together. If you do that you'll definitely come through it."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Paul Lambert, Aston Villa manager (On his team's recent struggles):

"If Manchester United can say they are in transition, if Liverpool can say it then I'm pretty sure can say they are in transition and we're certainly one of them. If it can happen to those sort of clubs then it can happen to everybody else. It's just some clubs need longer than others to get to where they want to get to."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Paul Lambert, Aston Villa manager (On upcoming opponents Tottenham):

"They have high expectancy levels and they're not hitting the heights of what they expect probably but they've still got a really good side when you look at the team. They were up there last year as well in that top bracket so we're under no illusions of how hard this is going to be. But you're right they might be a bit edgy as well."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Paul Lambert, Aston Villa manager (On recent signing Colombian Carlos Sanchez):

"Really pleased. He gave one ball away (in the last game) and that was the one that led to the goal, but the guy had to still travel 70 yards with it. Really pleased for him. He's a fantastic professional, really hungry to do well. For all his career has been really good, great enthusiasm for the game, great character and I thought Monday night he was excellent."