Joleon Lescott is no stranger to media faux-pas, with his infamous sports car Tweet earlier this season a prime example. However, after seeing his side relegated following a 1-0 defeat away to Manchester United, the Aston Villa defender gave a rather odd interview to BBC, one which will leave fans of the Villans rather perturbed, to say the least.
Speaking after the defeat, the centre-half spoke of his relief at finally being relegated. He said:
We knew before the game what we had to do but coming to Old Trafford is never easy no matter what situation you’re in. Throughout the game we showed a level of pride that there’s probably not been enough of throughout the season.
It’s about results so regardless of how we played in patches today we are relegated. We need to find a way to get out of this run of defeats. Now it’s confirmed maybe it’s a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances.
Throughout the season we have given reasons for people to jump on us. It’s part of football, we have to take that on the chin. It’s a tough time at the minute. At the back of our minds is next season to get promoted. I’m here for as long as Aston Villa want me.
The Premier League is where everyone wants to be, every player and every fan. Today is a disappointing day. As a fan myself I’d like to take some of that responsibility. We have four games left, I know it won’t keep us in the league but we still owe the fans a lot.
While Lescott’s frustration at the situation is understandable, to say “maybe it’s a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances” seems quite strange. Why not give the fans the performances they deserved when there was still a chance of survival?
Maybe the comments were made when he was stuck in a giant pocket?