Sports News of Saturday, 24 October 2015

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Swansea-Villa clash:Andre issues warning to Jordan

Ayew Brothers Ayew Brothers

Andre Ayew has warned younger brother Jordan Ayew that family ties will count for nothing when they face off at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

Swansea star Andre and Villa striker Jordan will clash for the first time in the Premier League, but there will be no time for niceties with both sides in desperate need of a result.

Garry Monk’s men are without a win in five Premier League games and an extension of that sequence would pile more pressure on the 36-year-old at the end of a testing week.

Villans’ boss Tim Sherwood, meanwhile, could find himself out of a job if the hosts cannot pick up three points for the first time since the opening day of the season.

So, while Andre is looking forward to catching up with his younger sibling, there will be no quarter asked or given.

“We’ve both been talking about this game ever since we moved to the Premier League,” said the former Marseille man.

“We are both very proud to be playing in the best league and to have this opportunity to play against each other.

“We are both trying to make our family, and the Ghanaian fans proud, because when we play we aren’t just doing it for ourselves, there are a lot of other supporters out there watching us.

“We do talk most days, but not always about football, more about family stuff and how our lives are going in our new surroundings.

“At the end of the day we are family, but when we get onto the pitch it’s about business and fighting for your team-mates and fans.

“We have played against each other before and it has been a bit weird.

“I lost when we played against each other in France last season when he was at Lorient – he scored two and I got one – so I hope it isn’t like that on Saturday.

“He can have a good game, as long as we win.”

Ayew could hardly have wished for a better introduction to the Premier League, scoring four goals in his first eight appearances.

But, like the rest of his team-mates, his form has dipped since the first international break of the season.

However, the Ghanaian international is confident Swansea will get back on track, and has vowed to ease the pressure on his manager.

“It’s going to be a tough game but one we need to win,” he said.

“We need to do everything we can to get the three points. They also need points but we need to be strong mentally.

“The manager has been working us hard and had a chat with us and told us to keep working hard and be confident.

“He knows what we can do and we need to just continue doing our jobs, believe in one another, stay united and start winning games again.

“When things are difficult there are some players who need to take responsibility to get us back to winning ways, and I’m one of those.”