Source: Daily_Mail
Bad luck, but Gerard Houllier has not helped himself at Aston Villa - COMMENT
Gerard Houllier has been a victim of circumstance - but is far from blameless as problems have piled up at Villa Park. [LNB]Out in the cold: Houllier is feeling the chill at Villa[LNB]The timing of his appointment was unfortunate, given the abrupt manner of Martin O'Neill's departure on the eve of the season. He also had no time to replace his most influential player, James Milner, when he was sold days after the campaign kicked off. [LNB]The injury crisis that O'Neill always feared would highlight the fragile nature of his squad has hit home. At times, Houllier has sent out a side missing nine first-choice players. [LNB]These factors were out of his control. However, a series of dubious decisions have not endeared him to Villa's fans. [LNB]The Frenchman has made conservative team selections and has not seemed able to motivate his side. Using one striker at home to Birmingham in the Premier League was frowned on by core fans. [LNB]His standing in Villa's dressing room is also debatable after a couple of high-profile bust-ups with senior players. [LNB]His relationship with John Carew is almost non-existent after criticism from the striker, and questioning Stephen Ireland's commitment has not helped a player who said he was short of confidence after moving from Manchester City. [LNB]Finally, Houllier's recruitment of Robert Pires looks absurd. The former France winger appears well off the pace. [LNB] Off the pace: Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has failed to impress since he arrived at Aston Villa[LNB]But, perhaps most importantly, Houllier has not yet created a bond with Villa fans, whose support he may yet depend on.[LNB] Villain of the piece: Houllier under serious threat as director leads Anfield backlashHoullier: I was only joking when I said losing at Liverpool was acceptableDowning tells Aston Villa to stand up and fight after Liverpool humblingASTON VILLA FC
