Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has claimed that new manager Tim Sherwood has a 'difficult task' in keeping the club in the Premier League.
Sherwood was appointed at Villa Park on Saturday following the sacking of previous boss Paul Lambert.
The Villans currently sit in the relegation zone on goal difference, and Hitzlsperger believes that the former Tottenham Hotspur coach will find it tough to move them up the table to safety.
"It's not an easy task for him," the German is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "It's good for him to step in because people have watched the club for many years know it is not easy to make a change.
"Paul Lambert said he has got a good group of players but unfortunately he couldn't get the best out of them lately. Good luck to Tim. I am very close to the club, I keep following their progress and I want to see them in the Premiership."
Sherwood is expected to take charge of Villa for the first time on Saturday when they host Stoke City in the Premier League.