Source: Daily_Mail
Fabian Delph defends Gerard Houllier in team selection row
Fabian Delph has defended Aston Villa manager's Gerard Houllier decision to field a much changed team in the FA Cup tie at Manchester City.[LNB]Houllier made eight alterations from the side he started against Blackburn for the Eastlands clash which Villa lost 3-0 - including playing Delph at left-back.[LNB]It has left fans angry and venting their frustrations on message boards and radio phone-ins, particularly as local rivals Birmingham have won the Carling Cup.[LNB] Under-fire: Aston Villa fans are unhappy with Gerard Houllier's disregard for the FA Cup[LNB] But Delph believes the players left out needed to recharge their batteries and that Houllier has been consistent in his policy of changing his line-ups all season.[LNB]The former Leeds player, who signed a new four-year contract yesterday, said: 'We're a very good squad and we've got a good squad of players.[LNB]'The changes that got made, they needed to rest. They've been playing a lot of games this season.[LNB]'The players that came in against Manchester City were more than capable of doing a job.[LNB] Second best: Fabian Delph is outmuscled by Yaya Toure as Villa were outplayed by Man City[LNB] 'I don't think it's a case of that we played a weakened team. We played a strong team, players that have been playing all season.[LNB]Uncomfortable: Delph was played out of position by Houllier at left-back[LNB] 'The gaffer is confident in our ability and thinks we're strong as a squad.[LNB]'If he's bringing players in, which he's done all season, not just in the City game, I don't see why it should be looked upon as a bad thing.[LNB]'Let's face it, we came up against a very good team in City. All of their players are internationals. They were just the better team on the night.'[LNB]Delph added: 'I can understand the fans, because they got into thefinals and semi-finals of the two cup competitions last year. They arebound to be a bit upset.[LNB]'They're looking at the Blues as well, thinking that they've just won the Carling Cup.[LNB]'We think we are a better team than them and we obviously haven'tdone what they've done this season, so I think that's what is gettingto them the most.[LNB]'Hopefully next season we can push on anddo a lot better. The last few games we have looked a lot sharper and wehave started to play together as a team.[LNB]'If we can carry that on I think, hopefully with a few more players, it might spice it up a bit more.'[LNB] Villa rocked by Dunne injury blow as defender is ruled out for a monthBOLTON v Aston Villa: Trotters boss Coyle with no new concerns Ireland blow for Newcastle - knee injury casts doubt over Magpies debut All the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Fabian Delph, Gerard Houllier Places: Birmingham, Leeds
