Source: Team_Talk
Changes will take time - Houllier
Gerard Houllier says it will take time to stamp his mark on Aston Villa as he prepares to take charge for the first time against Blackburn.[LNB] Houllier intends to alter Villa's playing style and training methods with the aid of new assistant manager Gary McAllister and first-team coach Gordon Cowans.[LNB]But the former Liverpool boss does not expect his revolution at Villa Park to happen overnight.[LNB]Houllier, who has signed a three-year deal, said: "In the short term I need to know the players more and they need to get used to the different types of training - more continental in terms of tactics - and a variety of drills.[LNB]"It will take time to implement and be accepted. You come with philosophies and beliefs and need to convince the players to do them.[LNB]"Will we be playing in a different way? Obviously it won't be done overnight. You can't change habits in the middle of a competition. It has got to be gradual.[LNB]"The first mission is to get results, the second is to be entertaining. At the top level you need entertainment for TV and the fans. That will take some time.[LNB]"But the players are eager to improve and everyone can progress provided the right environment and motivation is there."[LNB]Houllier accepts the current first team squad have been through a testing period after Martin O'Neill quit as manager five days before the start of the new campaign.[LNB]He said: "We have to improve in a few areas and the players know that. But it has not been easy for the players.[LNB]"The last manager went just before the start of the season and there has been a caretaker manager (Kevin MacDonald) and a new manager.[LNB]"The team needs to settle and get used to different things but in time it will settle down."[LNB]Houllier has fond memories of the League Cup as it provided him with his first major trophy with Liverpool in 2001.[LNB]He intends to rotate some of the players against Blackburn but insists the competition will be taken seriously.[LNB]He said: "We will not be putting out a lesser side. It will be a good side. I will rotate some of the players and I will not be the only manager to have done that.[LNB]"The League Cup was the first trophy I won at Liverpool and, if you win five games, you are at Wembley.[LNB]"We all know the club is desperate for some silverware. We want that and to reach a high position in the league. That is what we are here for."[LNB]Houllier is delighted to be linking up with McAllister, who played under him at Liverpool, and Cowans, who won the European Cup with Villa in 1982.[LNB]He said: "I trust Gary and he knows how I want to play while Gordon is a hero here and I was pleased when he said he would like to work with me."[LNB]
