Villa bench tries Angel's patience
Juan Pablo Angel has spelt out his determination to reclaim his place in the Aston Villa team for the remaining two months of the season.
The Colombia international has managed just two Premiership goals – against Bolton and Everton in December – in the current campaign.
That record has resulted in Villa’s club record £9.5m (€14m) signing no longer being guaranteed a place in the starting line-up, as he faces competition from Milan Baros, Kevin Phillips and Luke Moore.
But 30-year-old was restored to the side for last weekend’s goalless draw at Charlton – and wants to stay there.
Angel said: “You have to earn your place by what you do in training during the week and how you perform at the weekend, but every time I’m not involved I’m really disappointed.
“I want to play every week. That’s what I’m here for and that’s what I have done throughout my career, I’ve never been a substitute at any of my other clubs.
“But the season is far from over and I am pleased to be back in the starting line-up after being on the bench for so long. I want to play all the time.”
Angel added: “It’s been frustrating for me this season but the consistency of the team is reflected in all of us.
“I was the first to raise my hand and say I wasn’t playing well at the beginning of the season but the team wasn’t performing very well either.
“I have had my ups and downs but that’s normal. Every time the team has done well, I’ve usually done well ever since I have been here.
“In our best two seasons since I’ve been here, I’ve scored a lot of goals for the club but it’s difficult when the team are not performing. It’s the same for everyone. When things are going well for the team, we all look better.”
