Aston Villa boss Remi Garde silent over his future after West Ham defeat

Aston Villa boss Remi Garde refused to answer questions about his future after his side were beaten 2-0 at West Ham.

Michail Antonio and Cheikhou Kouyate netted for the Hammers after Villa had gone down to 10 men following Jordan Ayew's red card for swinging an elbow into the face of Aaron Cresswell early in the first half.

Garde had previously declared his unhappiness this week over his side's lack of transfer activity in the January window, and he was in equally dispirited mood following the game at Upton Park.

"It's not the time to answer these questions," he said when questioned over his future, before insisting there was still togetherness in the team despite their struggles.

"[We are united] more than ever. We are a group. Everybody is sticking together but it's difficult now."

Garde was equally dismissive about Ayew's red card, insisting he would handle the player in private.

"I will only answer one question on Jordan. It will remain private between him and me. 

"I'm not going to speak any more about this incident. I don't need to express any more of my feelings. You can guess Jordan's feelings.

"We have just played 90 minutes of football and I'd like to talk just about the game. Everything that happens in the dressing room of a professional football team should stay there as much as possible."

Before Ayew's sending off and with the game still goalless, Villa had a decent penalty shout turned down after the ball struck Antonio's outstretched arm in his own area, and Garde feels the decision not to give it turned the game.

"Of course [it should have been given]," Garde said. "Like the two previous games, at West Brom and the home game against Leicester, we've been denied a penalty. This was the key point for me."