Thursday 17 March 2016 15:25, UK
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde insists he has not given up on Premier League survival - but concedes that it may be 'mission impossible' to avoid relegation.
Villa are rooted to the foot of the table, having lost five games in a row. They are nine points from safety with eight matches remaining ahead of this weekend's trip to Swansea City on Saturday Night Football.
Garde told The Birmingham Mail: "I am not stupid. It's an impossible mission that we have to make possible. You never know in football.
"We need to win games - at home or away, it doesn't matter. We are in an urgent situation. It's always difficult to know what will happen in the game. It will be very tight, probably with a lot of tension. They [Swansea] also need points.
"I still believe. I have said that since the first day. I am focused on saving the club from relegation. From the time when things are certain, you can say we are in that league or this league. I am focused on the next game. I am not speculating."
Villa were last relegated from the top flight in 1987 and Garde insists the whole squad must continue to believe they can avoid demotion.
He added on Sky Sports News HQ: "Of course we do have the obligation to believe but it's not just an obligation it is something that should be inside every player, inside myself too.
"Of course we are in a very bad period with five defeats but we have a very important game which is always difficult because even if Swansea are not in the best position they are in a far better position than us. It will be a very tough game."
