Aston Villa's Paul Lambert: It's my job to protect my players

The manager is prepared to shield the squad from the worst of the jibes after fans called for his head on Saturday. Villa lost 4-1 at Swansea to leave them three points above the Premier League relegation zone with three games left.

"We've never shied away from it and you have to step up to the plate. I'm the one who is the manager of the football club and I'm proud of it," he said. "But it's my job to protect the lads. They are the ones who go and play the game and come Saturday we're going to need the supporters."

"The players know the expectancy level of the football club. It's huge. They will take it on board but we need the fans to roar us on next Saturday."

Despite supporter unrest Lambert, though, believes they will back the team during Saturday's final home game with Hull with Villa desperate for a win.

He said: "I've got no doubt about that. The supporters come in their thousands week in week out. They'll get right behind us. I don't have a problem with that sort of thing. The most important thing is for Aston Villa to get over the line.

"They have been great, the supporters are second to none. No-one wants the club to be in this position, absolutely no chance. I've said it a few times that the club shouldn't be in this position. It's too big a football club."

Jonjo Shelvey's 45-yard wonder goal gave Swansea the platform to win after Gabby Agbonlahor had cancelled out Wilfried Bony's opener.

Pablo Hernandez and Bony's late penalty secured the points as Villa were jeered off by their own fans.

But Lambert believes the mutual relationship means the players don't necessarily owe the supporters a performance.

"That's a bit harsh to say they owe them," he said. "They're going to need each other. The club needs the support."