Prove you are up for it, Garde tells Villa stars
Remi Garde has told Villa's stars to prove they are up for a relegation fight – as supporters were urged not to boo Fabian Delph.
The former claret and blues skipper will be on the bench when Manchester City visit Villa Park tomorrow and though his return has been rendered something of a sideshow, as Garde takes charge for the first time, the midfielder is guaranteed a frosty reception.
Delph moved to City in July, less than a week after having pledged his future to Villa. But City boss Manuel Pellegrini reckons the 25-year-old does not deserve to be booed.
"I hope he will not receive that," he said. "He played a lot of years for Aston Villa and they wanted to sell him also.
"He continued being a player that gave a lot of his career to Aston Villa and I don't think the fans will forget all those things."
The chief focus will be on Garde as he looks to begin his Villa Park reign on the right foot against the Premier League leaders.
He believes young players like Jack Grealish must show their worth first before being guaranteed a spot in his team.
Grealish, 20, was given a prominent role under former boss Tim Sherwood but has struggled for form and Garde insisted the midfielder and others must knuckle down.
Garde said: "Jack is among the young players. He will have an important role. There is quality in other players as well but what is important in football are two things.
"The first one is talent, if you're not talented you have no chance, but talent without hard work is nothing."
Garde has Micah Richards available after suspension to face his former club while Idrissa Gana could return after being rested.
Villa have lost their last seven games, while City are unbeaten in eight but Garde believes his team can pull off the shock.
"Sometimes when you believe what you can do maybe things can turn on your side," he said.
