O’Leary reveals Villa vision of Europe
O’Leary insisted he understands the frustrations of Villa fans disappointed at a season of underachievement, which has led to calls for him to quit after three years in charge.
But he pointed to the way Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also came under fire after selling Patrick Vieira in the summer and has seen his decision justified with the sparkling display against Juventus in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final.
“Arsene has had to bite the bullet. But he made a decision for the future of the football club. It might not have gone right from the very start and he might have had to accept criticism but that’s the job.
“Long term, he was thinking for the best of Arsenal and we all saw the performance on Tuesday. Now here at Villa we’ve got disgruntled and frustrated fans - quite rightly so. I’ve managed and played at the very top. I’ve come here and put this club in the other half of the table for the last two years here.
“This year we aren’t where we want to be which is disappointing for me and the fans and the club. But I know where I’ve managed and played and I know where I want to be and it will make me more determined.
“I know what we need to put us back where we should be and we will do that in the summer hopefully.”
O’Leary added: “I love being at this club. When I came the fans said ‘make us have the bragging rights again in Birmingham’.
“I’ve done that and I think I’ll do it again for a third year running but I don’t just have that little tunnel vision.
“I have a vision to put this club into Europe. That’s what the city needs. We want to be a club challenging where I’ve spent all my life as a player and a manager, at the other end of the table.”
O’Leary’s admits it will be an emotional occasion at Highbury, not because he is saying farewell to the ground before Arsenal move, but in remembrance of his former Gunners and Leeds team-mate David Rocastle.
Rocastle died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma five years ago this weekend at the age of 32, and he will be honoured by the north-London club this weekend.
He said: “It will be a sad day. David Rocastle was a big friend. His son came up as a guest for the game at Villa Park at Christmas. He is a lovely boy who has turned out like his dad.
“It is typical Arsenal in that they don’t forget their past and I’m just lucky the tribute day for David has fallen on the day I’m down there at Highbury. He was a close friend and it will be nice to be part of the tribute.”
